Science News: Our Weekly Picks From Around the Web

Munich Scientists Reprogram Brain Cells Called Pericytes into Neurons
Brain cells called pericytes can be reprogrammed into neurons with just two proteins, pointing to a novel way to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
www.the-scientist.com (10/04/2012)

Neuroscientists Unravel Vegetative State Mystery
By exploring parts of the brain that trigger during periods of daydreaming, neuroscientists from Western University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding what happens in the brain to cause vegetative state.
communications.uwo.ca (10/14/2012)

Ketamine Can Help Improve Brain Function in Rett Syndrome Mice
A study in the Journal of Neurosciences showed that in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, researchers were able to reverse abnormalities in brain activity and improve neurological function by treating the animals with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine.
www.news-medical.net (10/04/2012)
Abstract: www.jneurosci.org

New public brain-scan database opens autism research frontiers
Scientists have a valuable new tool for studying autism: a public database of more than 1,000 brain scans.
scopeblog.stanford.edu (09/28/2012)

Leftover DNA From Sons May Alter Their Mothers’ Brains, Study Says
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study also found that women with more male DNA in their brains were less likely to have suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
www.seattletimes.com (09/27/2012)

McGovern Neuroscientist Constantine-Paton Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Over the past 30 years, Constantine-Paton has established a reputation as a leading figure in the field of developmental neuroscience. She will be recognized for her achievements during SfN’s annual meeting this month.
web.mit.edu (09/28/2012)