science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Κυριακή 20 Μαΐου 2012

Science News SciGuru.com

Treatment of childhood OSA reverses brain abnormalities
Oxytocin improves brain function in children with autism
Gene regulation explained: The transcription factor P-TEFb regulates RNA polymerase based on an unexpected pattern

Treatment of childhood OSA reverses brain abnormalities

Posted: 20 May 2012 06:42 AM PDT

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children normalizes disturbances in the neuronal network responsible for attention and executive function, according to a new study.

Oxytocin improves brain function in children with autism

Posted: 19 May 2012 07:48 PM PDT

Preliminary results from an ongoing, large-scale study by Yale School of Medicine researchers shows that oxytocin — a naturally occurring substance produced in the brain and throughout the body— increased brain function in regions that are known to process social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Gene regulation explained: The transcription factor P-TEFb regulates RNA polymerase based on an unexpected pattern

Posted: 19 May 2012 07:44 AM PDT

When genetic information is read from the genetic blueprint DNA, RNA polymerase II translates it into RNA molecules. The C-terminal domain, abbreviated as CTD, is an important area of the polymerase molecule. It conveys information to the polymerase about how the genetic code should be copied and processed. To do this, the enzyme P-TEFb attaches molecular messages in the form of phosphate residues to certain positions within the CTD. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund have described the pattern, on the basis of which P-TEFb completes this process.