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Science News for May 27, 2007


'Smart' mice teach scientists about learning process, brain disorders

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mice genetically engineered to lack a single enzyme in their brains are more adept at learning and quicker to adapt to changing environments. This discovery may serve as a target for treating disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and drug addiction.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 27, 2007

First confirmed common genetic risk factors for breast cancer

An international team of scientists has uncovered five common genetic variants that increase an individual's risk for breast cancer. The genes code for proteins crucial to biological activities and have a moderate impact on disease prevalence across a large population.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2007