Researchers, led by Jian-Hua Mao, from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published a study Monday that found an overlap between genetic factors in mice that are linked to body weight and motor coordination.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, identified genes affecting body weight and motor performance in mice, shedding light on factors contributing to the onset of neurodegenerative disease in humans. Impaired motor performance in humans is a symptom of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to the study. (Related news link)