Alicia M Prater's Writing Zone

There are two new studies of autism that may change the understanding of the disease. In two new studies, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) have been found to be associated with the disease. These genetic variations were found in genes encoding two types of cellular proteins - cadherins and neurexin. This suggests an importance of neuronal cell adhesion in autism.

The Nature Reviews Genetics article requires free registration to read the synopsis, the actual articles linked at the bottom of the article may require a subscription. Now is a time when I would push open access because there are a number of people who should be able to read and understand these findings, as autism is one of the least understood disorders despite its prevalence. And the myt

For centuries St. John's Wort, also known as Goatweed, has been used a treatment for a number of ailments - burns, inflammation, depression - but it is currently only available as unregulated supplement. Is this because it doesn't work? Quite the contrary. Read more about the basic facts about this plant and some of the clinical evidence for its regulation and use as a treatment for depression.

Genetic similarities between individuals who are resistant to HIV infection or the progression to AIDS has been of interest to researchers because of the possibility for new therapies targeting these genes.

Many co-receptors for HIV binding to T cells and viral replication have been found in certain ethnic populations that tend to be less susceptible to infection.

Read more of an introduction to genetic protections against HIV...