Who is Hobbie-J ? Gosh ! It is The' Cleverest Rat'

Making modififications on a single gene, scientists now boast of having brought into existence the world's cleverest rat- Hobbie-J.

Named Hobbie-J, after a Chinese cartoon character, it can remember objects almost three times longer than other rats.

Role of Schizophrenia Gene More Potent Than Thought
A new function for a gene whose human equivalent may play a critical role in schizophrenia has been discovered by UCSF scientists studying nerve cells in fruit flies.

It is also much better in finding its way through mazes.

During its embryo stage, the rat was injected with genetic material to improve the NR2B gene, which controls memory.

Scientists hope a similar technique could someday be used to augment human brainpower.

Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Disease Deciphered Through Genetic Analysis
Genetic association analysis across the whole genome among 17,296 women of European ancestry from the Women's Genome Health Study has been performed by researchers

"Hobbie-J can remember information for longer. It's the equivalent of me giving you a telephone number and somehow you remembering it for an hour," the Telegraph quoted Dr Joe Z Tsien, the leader of the experiment team at the Medical College of Georgia, as saying.

The expert added: "Our study provides a solid basis for the rationale that the NR2B gene is critical to enhancing memory. That gene could be used for memory-enhancing drugs."

Research Team Links Genetic Defect to Vitamin A Deficiency in Women
Nearly half of the British women might be lacking an important source of vitamin A due to previously undetected genetic defect.

Dementia organisations in Britain have welcomed the new research.

"This research involving rats may lead to new ways to reduce the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer's or to ameliorate dementia symptoms," Andrew Scheuber from the Alzheimer's Research Trust said.

Gene Mismatch Influences Success of Bone Marrow Transplants
A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation.

He added: "A treatment involving NR2B may have the potential to slow the deterioration that takes place in dementia patients, but it is too soon to tell."

However, Dr John Hardy, professor of neuroscience at University College London, had a different take.

He said the study would not be of much use to Alzheimer's patients because they suffered from dying brain cells, not ineffective ones.

Source-ANI
SAV