A gene strongly implicated in schizophrenia is essential for normal brain development and the growth of new neurons in the adult brain, according to new research by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) scientists.
A research team led by HHMI investigator Li-Huei Tsai at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that a mutated form of the gene disrupts the growth and development of brain cells. Their findings may provide new
targets for the development of novel drugs to treat schizophrenia.
The researchers also showed that the gene DISC1 is part of the signaling pathway targeted by the mood stabilizer lithium. “For the first time, we have linked an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway with schizophrenia,”says Tsai. “The beauty of knowing that this is the signaling pathway is that researchers now have many new targets to aim for as they develop drugs to treat schizophrenia.” [continue reading…]
March 2009
Image Credit: iStockphoto
In an article in the latest issue of The Psychologist, Dr Nattavudh Powdthavee, of the University’s Department of Economics and Related Studies, offers an explanation to one of the most surprising conclusions of recent research into wellbeing — that having children does not increase our level of happiness.
Like many other young couples our age, my long-term girlfriend and I are thinking about starting a family of our own. Two things are currently on our to-do list. First is to get married. And second is to have two children, hopefully one boy and one girl. [continue reading…]
It is Brain Awareness Week. Sadly traumatic brain injury has seen extensive coverage in the world’s media with the tragic death of Natasha Richardson, as a result there now is a greater awareness of how traumatic brain injury which may initially only cause temporary confusion and headache, can be fatal. Immediate treatment is essential after a brain injury because the initial damage caused by swelling often is irreversible
I am personally touched by this family’s sadness. 18 months ago I received a telephone call that is every parents worst nightmare. My son had sustained a traumatic brain injury after hitting his head in a fall. He briefly lost consciousness and was admitted to hospital where he was found to have bleeding in the brain. His injury was potentially fatal. My son didn’t understand the severity of his injuries, and wanted to leave hospital but the immediate medical intervention and thorough assessment is why I know my son is alive today. For 24 hours we waited to see if the bleeding would stop or if surgery to relieve pressure was necessary. The bleeding stopped. My wife and I spent 3 very worrying days with our son in ICU (who kept insisting he was fine and couldn’t understand why he was there). I am so thankful because my story has a happy ending; my son has made a 100% recovery. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Richardson/ Redgrave families.
Relatives and police can use the GPS tracker
What great idea! The BBC  Radio 5 reports how a NHS trust has become the first in the country to try fitting dementia patients with tracking devices.
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust has worked with a technology company to develop an electronic tag for people with the condition. ……..continue reading
Source: BBC News
