Researchers from Canada and Britain have discovered that
manipulating a particular gene in mice can result in improved learning, memory,
and problem-solving.
In addition, the mice in the study became less anxious.
Focusing on the gene that controls the PDE4B enzyme, which
is found in the brain and elsewhere, scientists were able to make mice smarter,
with noticeably decreased levels of fear and anxiety. The mice became faster learners and less
fearful of normally "scary" events, such as the presence of cat
urine.
The discovery, published in the science journal Neuropsychopharmacology, has prompted a move toward similar increased studies, with a focus on animals, and with a hope that the results might eventually
transfer to humans as well. Such a
transfer could mean potentially significant aid in the battle against brain
difficulties, especially as related to aging.
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