Another small piece in the puzzle

From: Ray Recchia (rrecchia@mail.clarityconnect.com)
Date: Fri 24 Jan 2003 - 16:44:57 GMT

  • Next message: Keith Henson: "Memes about memes"

    Human Gene Affects Memory

    http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2003/nimh-23.htm

    >NIH scientists have shown that a common gene variant influences memory for
    >events in humans by altering a growth factor in the brain's memory hub. On
    >average, people with a particular version of the gene that codes for brain
    >derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) performed worse on tests of episodic
    >memory — tasks like recalling what happened yesterday. They also showed
    >differences in activation of the hippocampus, a brain area known to
    >mediate memory, and signs of decreased neuronal health and
    >interconnections. These effects are likely traceable to limited movement
    >and secretion of BDNF within cells, according to the study, which reveals
    >how a gene affects the normal range of human memory, and confirms that
    >BDNF affects human hippocampal function much as it does animals'.

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