Tuesday, January 24, 2006

genetics Treatment of Down syndrome in mice restores nerve growth in cerebellum. Researchers at Johns Hopkins restored the normal growth of specific nerve cells in the cerebellum of mouse models of Down syndrome (DS) that were stunted by this genetic condition. The cerebellum is the rear, lower part of the brain that controls signals from the muscles to coordinate balance and motor learning. [Science Blog -] 11:26:53 AM    comment

genetics Back on drugs? Could be in your genes. Inbred strains of rats differ in how aggressively they seek cocaine after a few weeks of use, researchers say. The finding, posted online Jan. 18 by Psychopharmacology, is another piece of evidence that genetics plays a role in the relapse of drug-seeking behavior in humans. [Science Blog -] 10:32:41 AM    comment

genetics Chimps close the gap on humans. Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have found genetic evidence that seems to support a controversial hypothesis that humans and chimpanzees may be more closely related to each other than chimps are to the other two species of great apes – gorillas and orangutans. They also found that humans evolved at a slower rate than apes. [Science Blog -] 10:29:45 AM    comment

stress Bummer marriages a bummer for health, too. Long-term, low-quality marriages have significant effects on overall well-being, according to a recent study by Penn State researchers. The researchers said that people who remain unhappily married suffer from lower levels of self-esteem, overall health, overall happiness, and life satisfaction along with elevated levels of psychological distress, in contrast to those in long-term happy marriages. [Science Blog -] 10:25:04 AM    comment