news archive genetic news - January 25, 2005

January 25, 2005

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Hearing Anger In Voices Study suggests that the sound of anger enhances the brain's response to voices.
-	Understanding Cocaine Cravings Cocaine cravings following an extended withdrawal require the activation of a protein called extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) in a part of the brain involved in motivation and emotion.
-	Tagging Strategy Makes It Easier For Researchers To Leave Their Mark New method for the quick addition of small labeling molecules promises to simplify studies tracking the localization and dynamics of cell-surface proteins without interfering with cellular function.
-	Stem Cells In Need Of A Fresh Start Report indicates that a foreign molecule present in human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) may lead to their being killed by the immune system if they are used in a transplantation setting.
-	Reproductive ACE A protein that controls blood pressure is also crucial for fertilization.
-	Viagra For A Broken Heart Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, can prevent and reverse the pathological growth of the heart.
-	Muscle-Driven Microrobots Sceintists show that it is now possible to start with single cells on silicon chips and obtain micromechanical devices operated by muscle tissue.
-	Natural Selection In Humans Report describes evidence for natural selection acting on the human genome.
-	Stimulating Insight Into Reproductive Hormones The revelation, how follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binds to its receptor on the cell surface, may provide scientists with the key for aiding future drug discovery efforts.
-	Understanding The Brain, One Cell At A Time Scientists report on a tool that can capture the activity of neuronal populations at single-cell resolution and up to four times deeper into the brain than before.
-	Pokemon Protein Puts New Cancer Treatment On The Cards Scientists uncover the role of Pokemon, a key protein in cancer progression.
-	Protein's Role In Immune Defence Uncovered Researchers uncover the role of a vital protein called IRF-5 in triggering immune defences against invading pathogens.