Genetic basis for possible anti-aging therapies

mp3 fileImai discovered the enzymatic acitivity of Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) and demonstrated its role in cellular metabolism and its importance to the regulation of longevity in organisms such as yeast and roundworms. Increasing Sir2 activity lengthens lifespan in those organisms. Now, he is studying the roles of Sir2 in mammals. Because mammals are […]

Elastic Fiber Formation: A Dynamic View

(On February 18, Wagenseil speaks on “Imaging of extracellular matrix dynamics in living cells: new insights into structure and function.” The presentation is part of a session called “Elastic fiber formation: a dynamic view.” The session runs from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) While much of what goes wrong in human disease takes place inside […]

Public science education: Café, clinic, car or couch?

Cynthia Wichelman, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will be one of three speakers at a lecture, “Public Science Education: Café, clinic, car or couch?” from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. February 18. The other speakers are John Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Colorado, […]

John N. Constantino, M.D.

mp3 fileIn studies of autism and ADHD, it appears genes influence symptoms along a spectrum from very mild symptoms that “normal” people may have to very severe symptoms that highly impaired people will have. In other words, genes seem to determine whether “normal” behaviors can become disease pathologies. mp3 fileSeverely affected autistic people don’t generally […]

Familiality and genetics of reciprocal social behavior, attention and impulsivity

mp3 fileThere are two primary sub-types of ADHD. One involves severe inattention. The other form includes both attention problems and hyperactivity. But all of the various subtypes of ADHD have a strong genetic component. mp3 fileAlthough the syndrome is always referred to as ADHD, Todd says several genes may be involved, and those various genetic […]

Translating complex/controversial science information for stakeholders and influentials

mp3 fileTeitelbaum says it may be years before embryonic stem cells can be used for therapies. Researchers must first perfect techniques to manipulate the cells to become pancreas, nerve or other cell types. And as research advances, he says the cells may one day offer hope for those with incurable diseases. mp3 fileAt the AAAS […]

Feeling good: The science of well-being

mp3 fileCloninger says as social groups have developed, it has become clear that both kindness and service to others are essential, both for the happiness and mental health of the individual and for the good of the entire social group. mp3 fileOne of the important things that makes us uniquely human is our capacity for […]

What is the relationship of public policy, public accountability and public trust?

On February 17, Theodore J. Cicero, Ph.D., speaks on “What is the relationship of public policy, public accountability and public trust?” The talk will be part of a session called “Public accountability and public trust: An issue for clinical research.” The session runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The general public often finds the conduct […]