Scientists have discovered that a specific type of genetic material found in the human genome, known as Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), may be associated with higher susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. By analyzing genetic data and postmortem brain tissue samples, researchers have identified five novel HERVs that are strongly linked to these conditions. The study suggests that these HERVs could potentially enhance the chances of developing psychiatric disorders, although further research is needed to determine the specific level of risk.