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Science News for June 17, 2007


Alzheimer's-associated enzyme can disrupt neural activity in the brain

Researchers at MGH-MIND discovered that an enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease can alter neural signaling, leading to seizures. Elevated BACE activity may be responsible for seizures observed in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting potential treatments to alleviate their occurrence.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 17, 2007

Blood-brain barrier breached by new therapeutic strategy

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier using a short protein from the rabies virus. This approach protects mice from infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, suggesting potential for treating various brain infections and diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2007
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mutating the entire genome

Researchers at University of Utah have developed a faster and less expensive technique for mutating vast, non-gene stretches of DNA. This new approach enables the evaluation of regulatory sequences that control gene expression, potentially leading to breakthroughs in human disease research.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 17, 2007

Potent possibilities for parasite attack

Researchers compared Leishmaniasis-causing parasite genomes and identified a small number of genes that can be targeted for new treatments. The study found that only a few genes are important in determining disease severity, and some genes may play key roles in interacting with the human host.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 17, 2007