science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Τρίτη 26 Φεβρουαρίου 2013

Science News SciGuru.com

Scientists Find Surprising New Influence on Cancer Genes
Ancient sea lamprey gets DNA decoded
Memory Strategy May Help Depressed People Remember the Good Times

Scientists Find Surprising New Influence on Cancer Genes

Posted: 25 Feb 2013 09:04 AM PST

Small stretches of DNA in the human genome are known as “pseudogenes” because, while their sequences are nearly identical to those of various genes, they have long been thought to be non-coding “junk” DNA.

But now, a new study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) shows how pseudogenes can regulate the activity of a cancer-related gene called PTEN. The study also shows that pseudogenes can be targeted to control PTEN’s activity.

Ancient sea lamprey gets DNA decoded

Posted: 25 Feb 2013 08:58 AM PST

What can we learn about human evolution from an eel-like creature with a sucker-shaped mouth? Apparently, quite a lot.

A large team of scientists has decoded the genome of a sea lamprey – one of the few ancient, jawless species of vertebrates that has survived through the modern era. The findings are detailed Feb. 24 in Nature Genetics.

Memory Strategy May Help Depressed People Remember the Good Times

Posted: 25 Feb 2013 08:48 AM PST

New research highlights a memory strategy that may help people who suffer from depression in recalling positive day-to-day experiences. The study is published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Previous research has shown that being able to call up concrete, detailed memories that are positive or self-affirming can help to boost positive mood for people with a history of depression. But it’s this kind of vivid memory for everyday events that seems to be dampened for people who suffer from depression.