Previous research has indicated that those who have inherited a particular gene variant are at greater risk of depression. Now a new study has come out confirming that, indeed, those with this variant are at greater risk of depression -- but only if their childhood home environment was emotionally cold and unsupportive. Those from warm, loving homes, are no more likely to get depressed that those without this variant. The findings emphasize the general principle we should always keep in mind -- genes are not destiny. What we become has everything to do with the complex interaction of genes and environment, not genes alone.

And an Australian study just out indicates that brief Internet-based help for depression can be just as effective as active psychotherapies involving personal contact, not only in the short-term, but also long-term.