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Science News for October 27, 1998


Tau Gene Linked To Family Of Neurodegenerative Disorders; Finding May Yield Insight Into Onset Of Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers identify three mutations in tau gene causing hereditary neurodegenerative diseases, providing new direction for exploring Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that abnormal tau protein accumulation kills brain cells, potentially leading to the development of treatments for related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 1998

Athletes In Training Cautioned: Learn To Relax

Researchers found that athletes in a cognitive-behavioral stress management group experienced significant reductions in depressed mood, fatigue, and serum cortisol. These findings suggest that stress management programs can be an effective way to support athletes' mental health during intense training periods.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 27, 1998

Researchers Make Breakthrough In Gene Transfer

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have created a way to create harmless vectors from harmful viruses. They showed that the vectors are efficient couriers of genes and can be used to study gene regulation and functions, as well as deliver DNA vaccines.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 1998