news archive genetic news - March 31, 2003

March 31, 2003

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Solving A Parkinson Disease Side Effect The study suggests that using other drugs to counteract an unwanted effect of L-DOPA may be a promising way to improve treatment of the disease.
-	It Takes Two To Build Blood Vessels Using the right combination of molecules is the key to creating stable blood vessels, and will be an important consideration when designing angiogenic therapies.
-	A Direct Hit On Parkinson Disease Injecting a naturally occurring molecule directly into the brains of Parkinson disease patients may help alleviate their symptoms.
-	Keeping Hematopoietic Stem Cells Young The discovery of a newly identified protein provides a ‘missing link’ in the long search for the exact conditions that allow blood stem cells to flourish.
-	Mutations Of The X-Linked Genes Encoding Neuroligins NLGN3 And NLGN4 Are Associated With Autism A defect in two X-linked genes may abolish formation, stabilization or recognition of specific synapses essential for the communication processes that are deficient in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder.
-	Stem Cell Fusion Repairs Damaged Liver Transplanted stem cells may repair liver damage by fusing with host cells.
-	Spanish "Talking Glossary of Genetics" Launched Online A resource for Spanish-speaking people seeking a better understanding of recent advances in genetics and genomics
-	HHS To Test Use Of Handheld Device Network For Transmitting Urgent Information About Biological Agents To Clinicians Bioterrorist possibility causes US Health and Human Services to use PDAs in communicating urgent information
-	Metastasis Gene May Be Useful for Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer The gene for osteopontin may be a useful diagnostic marker for metastasis