Neuroscience

Controlling brain wiring with the flick of a chemical switch

Published in Drug Week, May 13th, 2005

With the flick of a chemical switch, researchers can now exert unprecedented control over the activity of molecules that help wire the developing brains of mice.

The new technique permits researchers to use drugs to switch the molecules on and off as precisely and reversibly as a light switch controls a lamp. Current genetic and chemical manipulation techniques are more akin to eliminating entire electrical circuits or breaking the light bulbs in the lamps.

The researchers said the technique will enable them to explore how the molecules, which are called neurotrophins, regulate the growth and survival of neurons in newborn and adult animals. Studying...

Want to see the full article?

Purchase this article for only $3.00

We're a pay-per-view site for premium content. If you'd like to purchase this article, it's only $3.00.

Welcome to NewsRx!

Learn more about a six-week, no-risk free trial of Drug Week

Source: Drug Week (2005-05-13)

NewsRx is Social

Top Medical Newsletters

Awards

Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2012
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2011
Best e-Business Site, 2010
Best e-Business Site, 2009
Best e-Business Site, 2008
Best e-Business Site, 2007
Best e-Business Site, 2006
Best Healthcare Content, 2005
Best Overall Internet Site, 2005
Best Interactive Site, 2005

Facts & Stats

NewsRx also is available at LexisNexis, Gale, ProQuest, Factiva, Dialog, Thomson Reuters, NewsEdge, and Dow Jones.

Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Health News and Media Publications
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Science Publications in Biology/Physiology
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top News and Media for the Business of Pharmaceuticals
Amazon's Alexa 2010 PageRank: #2 News and Media Site for the Pharmaceutical Industry