Gene variations linked to schizophrenia

They add it's the strongest genetic link yet found to the disease. Specifically, three rare deletions in the human genome appear to raise the risk of developing the devastating brain disease considerably.

Researchers reporting in the online editions of Nature and Nature Genetics say it's only the tip of the iceberg, but breakthroughs in schizophrenia have been few and far between.

Scientist's say these findings give a great deal of hope for individuals with schizophrenia and their families.