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Science News for February 3, 2008


Eye blinks may help to identify children prenatally exposed to alcohol

A new study found that eyeblink conditioning can identify children with probable fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and those without distinctive FAS features. Researchers used eyeblink conditioning in five-year-old children born to mixed-ancestry women, finding a deficit in this area related to prenatal alcohol exposure.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateFeb 3, 2008

Targeting astrocytes slows disease progression in ALS

In a breakthrough study, targeting astrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) doubles the lifespan of affected animals. This finding suggests that astrocytes, support cells essential for neuronal function, may be viable targets to slow disease progression and extend life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2008
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Parental drinking and parenting practices influence adolescent drinking

New research reveals that parental drinking habits directly impact adolescent drinking behaviors, as well as indirectly through perceptions of parenting. Monitoring and discipline are found to be strong intermediary roles in associations between parental and adolescent drinking behaviors.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateFeb 3, 2008

New hereditary movement disorder described in 2 families

Researchers identified a new inherited dystonia syndrome, DYT16, characterized by axial muscle involvement and sardonic smile. The condition is caused by a mutation in the PRKRA gene and follows a recessive mode of inheritance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateFeb 3, 2008