Scientists have isolated a gene in mice that works to give them "super memories" and reverses the course of several degenerative mental illnesses like Alzheimer's. And because of the similarity of mice and human brains, a powerful brain pill for humans may now not be far off.
The brains of both mice and humans release a gene known as PKR, which is triggered by the onset of Alzheimer's. But the newly discovered gene can apparently block PKR's release--a development that not only can reverse the course of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, but induces a state of "super memory" in the mice it has been tested on.
"If we were to find an inhibitor, a molecule, a drug that will specifically block PKR, we should be able to do the same [in humans]," Maura Costa-Mattioli, who led the research study at Baylor University, told the Vancouver Sun. "And we did." Link
Wow, would this be incredible. It would cure a horrible, wasting disease that robs people of their very identity. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and it was pretty horrific. This would also be a huge benefit for people whose memory just isn’t very good. Mine is often quite bad and I worry somewhat that I may be headed towards greater problems down the road. Knowing that there could be a treatment is very encouraging.
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