Two newly discovered genes have been linked to schizophrenia while a previously known gene associated with schizophrenia risk has also been linked to autism in a massive new study.

Scientists say the findings increase our understanding of brain diseases and could lead to new treatment targets.

Importantly, this is the first known investigation to look at the risk of schizophrenia in different groups of people, especially those with African ancestry. It revealed rare harmful variations in gene proteins raise the risk of schizophrenia in all ethnic groups.