Article Abstract:
Biochemists discovered that receptors in the brain which transfer information between cells are more varied than previously thought, and hope to produce drugs to prevent brain damage in strokes and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. The NMDA glutamate receptor, which controls memory, thought processing and movement, is the most important. Glutamate's action may be able to be blocked, although replacement of dead brain cells is impossible. Heidelburg research discovered that NMDA receptors vary, which will aid drug development.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
There has been a rise in the number of reported cases of skin cancers in the UK over the last decade, particularly in cases of malignant melanoma, which causes most deaths from skin cancer. However, researchers are starting to make progress in understanding how cells cope with the risk of damage from the Sun's ultraviolet light and how skin cancer can result if the cells are damaged. It has been discovered that the p53 gene is particularly important in controlling the performance of cells, thus preventing permanent damage.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Parkinson's Disease is caused when brain cells degenerate which would have produced dopamine, a chemical controlling limb movement. The drug L-Dopa is often used to treat the symptoms of tremors, poor co-ordination and frozen posture, but after a period of use regular levels of dopamine are difficult to maintain. Professor of endocrinology at Boston Children's Hospital Alfred Geller is experimenting with the herpes virus as it remains inactive for long periods. Genetic techniques modify its DNA to make dopamine.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: