Mouse gene found in humans raises hippocampus growth when DEactivated - Polidicks

[url]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1314323/Scientists-discover-Homer-Simpson-gene-makes-mice-clever-switched-off.html[/url] [quote]Deleting a certain gene in mice (one that is also found in humans) makes them smarter, but the Emory University researchers who discovered this so-called "Homer Simpson gene" are cautious about its potential to enhance cognition in humans, saying that very little is known about the mysterious region of the brain the gene is linked to. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the findings show that mice with a disabled RGS14 gene are able to remember objects they'd explored and learn to navigate mazes better than regular mice, suggesting that RGS14's presence limits some forms of learning and memory. Since RGS14 appears to hold mice back mentally, the Emory researchers have been referring to it as the "Homer Simpson gene." RGS14 is primarily turned on in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, a part of the brain known to be involved in consolidating new learning and forming new memories. However, the CA2 region lies off the beaten path scientifically and it's not clear what its functions are, say the researchers. Interestingly, the CA2 region is distinct from other brain regions for being resistant to long-term potentiation (a strengthening of connections between neurons that can be seen after new memory formation), and neurons within CA2 are able to survive injury by seizures or stroke more than neurons in other parts of the hippocampus. But in mice with a disabled RGS14 gene, the CA2 region was capable of "robust" long-term potentiation, meaning that in response to electrical stimulation, neurons there had stronger connections. On top of that, the ability of the gene-altered mice to recognize objects previously placed in their cages was enhanced, compared to normal mice. They also learned more quickly to navigate through a water maze to a hidden escape platform by remembering visual cues. "A big question this research raises is why would we, or mice, have a gene that makes us less smart - a Homer Simpson gene?" researcher John Hepler posits. "I believe that we are not really seeing the full picture. RGS14 may be a key control gene in a part of the brain that, when missing or disabled, knocks brain signals important for learning and memory out of balance." The researchers say the lack of RGS14 doesn't seem to hurt the altered mice, but it is still possible that they have their brain functions changed in a way that researchers have not yet been able to spot. Besides being resistant to injury by seizure, certain types of CA2 neurons are lost in schizophrenia, and loss of another gene turned on primarily in the CA2 region leads to altered social behaviors. "This suggests that these mice may not forget things as easily as other mice, or perhaps they have altered social behavior or sensitivity to seizures," Hepler said. "But not necessarily." Source: Emory University [/quote]

It could be that as we evolved that gene played a part in stemming brain growth to reduce cancers or to sacrifice greater intelligence and memory for efficiency, the brain already uses up something 25% of the bodies total energy intake, I can't imagine how crazy it would be if the brain required even more.

It probably activates some kind of telekinesis ability long lost from the time of our ancestors but when removed your memory is wiped every nine months in cinemas now.

So it's like a speed governor?

[QUOTE=Mr. Someguy;25363772]So it's like a speed governor?[/QUOTE] Mind governor :O. Great analogy though. Never saw it like that. I wonder what this could mean for the future.

To me it seems that most genes are carefully balanced between being active or inactive, there are probably many side effects to changing the state of even simple genes. We don't even understand how many genes work or what some are. Personally, I think deciding this or that does this in terms of genes, and then deciding to change that would lead to unforeseen consequences (excuse the half life reference).

[QUOTE=E1025;25364562]To me it seems that most genes are carefully balanced between being active or inactive, there are probably many side effects to changing the state of even simple genes. We don't even understand how many genes work or what some are. Personally, I think deciding this or that does this in terms of genes, and then deciding to change that would lead to unforeseen consequences (excuse the half life reference).[/QUOTE] Nah genes don't turn off ever, they either fully active or being repressed by another, if that one then becomes repressed the first is made functional and performs its task. That's why turning this off is a problem cause it has a knock on effect that could cause cells in the body to produce toxins for example.

Hippo campus eh [img]http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6894/hippocampusflag.jpg[/img]

hurr

This is very cool. If it turns out deactivating this gene has no other ill effects, and that it only enhances our memory, then we could have a good way of enhancing our mental abilities without the use of implants. Isn't it possible it was just turned off in some species x million years ago for y reason, and that the reason no longer applies to us humans? From what I know, genes can be very slow to change in evolution.

I'd imagine it'd be some kind of restriction to the brain. I can't begin to imagine how much energy we would use with an even bigger memory or brain capacity. Kind of like human throttling, as opposed to overclocking our minds.

[QUOTE=Mindtwistah;25364903]This is very cool. If it turns out deactivating this gene has no other ill effects, and that it only enhances our memory, then we could have a good way of enhancing our mental abilities without the use of implants. Isn't it possible it was just turned off in some species x million years ago for y reason, and that the reason no longer applies to us humans? From what I know, genes can be very slow to change in evolution.[/QUOTE] Pretty sure genes change pretty fast in evolution cause if they didn't we wouldn't change in any way.

[QUOTE=bravehat;25364982]Pretty sure genes change pretty fast in evolution cause if they didn't we wouldn't change in any way.[/QUOTE] Well yeah, mutations occur quickly, which leads to evolution, but genes that are already there can take a long time to deactivate, even though there isn't a reason for them to be active anymore, "forgotten genes" if you will.

I really, really want to do this when I'm older. So awesome.

[QUOTE=Mobon1;25365350]I really, really want to do this when I'm older. So awesome.[/QUOTE] You WILL get cancer, almost guaranteed.

And then Jurassic Park came and taught us about why gene manipulation was wrong.

Sounds like Flowers To Algernon

I'm under the assumption that this will only effect when the brain is being developed. (children)

Activate gene in fatties = fat loss If more demand for energy is the only problem, then all you gotta do is eat more calories food.

[QUOTE=TH89;25364790]Hippo campus eh [img_thumb]http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6894/hippocampusflag.jpg[/img_thumb][/QUOTE] Exactly what I thought when I read the title.

We should observe the effect in genetically-modified clone babies immediately. Raise your fingers to religion and petty morality, and give a HOO-rah for science! In other words, we should start this off now and create a person with increased cognitive capabilties. But I doubt we'd ever find any psychic powers. No, THOSE would require some sort of exotic extradimensional particles that turn into a "master force" when they come in contact with electrons, a master force that allows human beings to manipulate their environments by sheer thought alone. Basically, we'd only ever get psychic powers if we discover magic energy or something similar. Regardless, we should test this gene in people. FOR SCIENCE! :science:

I agree with Ironman, we should test this. Maybe get a person to agree to get pregnant and give concent for gene-modification.

[QUOTE=TH89;25364790]Hippo campus eh[/QUOTE] My thoughts aswell... Ontopic: There must be a reason for that gene to be activated and to set us back.

I will donate my baby to science. Is there a "really excellent physique" and "super charming to ladies" gene as well? I don't ever want my boy to have trouble getting laid. While we're at it, let's activate the "super ambitious and always successful" gene, too.

[QUOTE=Jake Nukem;25375063]I agree with Ironman, we should test this. Maybe get a person to agree to get pregnant and give concent for gene-modification.[/QUOTE] Issue is that's illegal, since you know, it's not their own life they're fucking around with. Doing this has to be done in mice and be observed constantly til they die, and in death you need to find out what killed them and how the deactivation of this gene may or may not have contributed to this, then you need to publish your findings and results, and then repeat it to prove your point. Then maybe some country with less ethical restraints will offer this to some people to set up a human trial.

not all genes are beneficial.

[QUOTE=Savaril;25375236]not all genes are beneficial.[/QUOTE] Most of them are, and they all serve a purpose, albeit it may be an out of date one.

I volunteer myself to have this tested out on a person.

Makes you wonder what other rodent parts we have inside us Er I mean what other intellectually-governing genes we have

[QUOTE=ironman17;25375009]We should observe the effect in genetically-modified clone babies immediately. Raise your fingers to religion and petty morality, and give a HOO-rah for science! In other words, we should start this off now and create a person with increased cognitive capabilties. But I doubt we'd ever find any psychic powers. No, THOSE would require some sort of exotic extradimensional particles that turn into a "master force" when they come in contact with electrons, a master force that allows human beings to manipulate their environments by sheer thought alone. Basically, we'd only ever get psychic powers if we discover magic energy or something similar. Regardless, we should test this gene in people. FOR SCIENCE! :science:[/QUOTE] I think we need the "wat" rating back as well.