Re: Brief notes

From: Michael S. Lorrey (retroman@turbont.net)
Date: Tue Jun 20 2000 - 14:23:02 MDT


Anders Sandberg wrote:
>
> Aryeh Routtenberg, Isabel Cantallops, Sal Zaffuto, Peter Serrano, and
> Uk Namgung Enhanced learning after genetic overexpression of a brain
> growth protein PNAS 2000 97: 7657-7662.>
> They showed that by overexpressing the protein GAP-43 (an axonal
> protein kinase) they could get a strong enhancement of spatial and
> working memory in modified mice. The Doogie mice have company :-)
> What makes things so fun is another article in the same issue:
>
> Ningya Shi and William M. Pardridge, Noninvasive gene targeting to the
> brain PNAS 2000 97: 7567-7572>
> They have developed a method to get genes into the brain without
> having to open it up or do other invasive stuff. By putting the
> plasmid with the gene inside a neutral pegylated immunoliposome linked
> to a transferrin molecule telling the epithelial cells to carry it
> across the blood-brain barrier, it can be put into the brain where it
> is expressed.
>
> See the link? Who wants to try first? :-)

Sign me up. I WANT it. Here's an idea: Launch a start up company to provide this
service, packaged as an SAT/AP/Bar Exam preparation service. "Give your kids the
boost they deserve! Why be left out? Your neighbors kids have already done it!"

I don't understand the California fad of breast implants as an 18th birthday
present, but I do understand this...



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