Computer use for leisure (van de Vegte, 2020)

STUDY TITLE: Genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization analyses for leisure sedentary behaviours

SUMMARY: Discovery of 36 genomic regions associated with using a computer for leisure.

OVERVIEW: From playing games to binge-watching the latest show to reading the latest entries in the Nebula Research Library, computers can be a great way to spend leisure time. In fact, the average American spends roughly 90 minutes per day using a computer for leisure! To find genetic markers associated with a propensity to use a computer for leisure, this genome-wide association study examined the genetic data of over 420,000 individuals of European descent. The researchers identified 36 regions of the genome associated with leisure computer use. Many of these are near genes responsible for brain development and function. Of these 36 regions, 15 were also linked to watching television for leisure. However, while watching television was found to correlate with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, computer use was not found to be associated with an increased risk. Regardless, sedentary activities such as using a computer and watching television must be done in moderation. Excessive use may contribute to conditions such as insomnia and obesity.

DID YOU KNOW? Excessive time spent at the computer may cause a multitude of injuries. This includes back pain, neck pain, headaches, eyestrain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper posture is important to help reduce aches and pains. Lowering the screen’s brightness can also help to reduce eye fatigue. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

computer use for leisure sample results

COMPUTER USE-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs4977839, rs9372625, rs6744254, rs13262595, rs2220599, rs2748985, rs140681455, rs11810110, rs2068625, rs2345941, rs11708955, rs1448355, rs73578186, rs55772938, rs11749912, rs2734849, rs770899487, rs984409, rs6774533, rs4073003, rs113851275, rs747836085, rs166835, rs631130, rs17789218, rs10208088, rs5835068, rs34246861, rs34597645, rs206965, rs35933007

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The computer’s impact on leisure
Proper sitting posture at a computer

WEEKLY UPDATE: May 5, 2020


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