Psychology :: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things

In the new book Blind Spots: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things (Prometheus Books, $18), psychologist Dr. Madeleine Van Hecke investigates many humorous anecdotes that gently nudge the reader into a deeper understanding of human fallibilities. Dr. Van Hecke explains why we mess up and shows how our minds only work for us 80 to 90 percent of the time. She combines humor, pragmatism, and theory to help the reader understand what gets in the way of good thinking.

Parkinson’s Disease :: Gene therapy shows safety & improvement in Parkinson’s disease

Neurologix, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: NRGX) today announced the publication in the June 23 issue of the journal The Lancet of positive results from the first ever gene therapy trial for Parkinson?s disease and the first report of direct gene transfer into a patient?s own brain cells for any adult neurodegenerative disease.

Screening :: Screening approach leads to discovery of gene linked to breast cancer

Using a novel three-part screening process, scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene that is made inappropriately in about a third of all breast cancers. The discovery, reached in collaboration with researchers at Brigham and Women?s Hospital (BWH) and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, is reported in the June 15, 2007 issue of the journal Cell.

Schizophrenia :: Columbia announces $9.2M expansion of Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research

Columbia University Medical Center announces today the expansion of its Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research and the launch of a new comprehensive psychiatric care clinic at its E. 60th Street location, all made possible through a $9.2 million gift from Stephen and Constance Lieber and the Essel Foundation.

Gene :: How many genes does it take to learn?

At any given time within just a single brain cell of sea slug known as Aplysia, more than 10,000 genes are active, according to scientists writing in Cell. Researchers also analyzed 146 human genes implicated in 168 neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and genes controlling aging and stem-cell differentiation. They found 104 counterpart genes in Aplysia, suggesting it will be a valuable tool for developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.