I thought this was an interesting read. It may signal some sort of ADHD treatment sometime in the future.

http://www.techreview.com/blog/posts.aspx?id=17445



The first study using the new generation of giant gene chips has uncovered a gene linked to short-term memory.

By Emily Singer






A gene known as Kibra plays a role in short-term memory, according to new research from the Translational Genomics Research Institute and the University of Zurich, in Switzerland. Researchers tested short-term memory in 351 Swiss young adults and then did a genome-wide scan of their DNA to identify genetic variants that were correlated to memory performance. Those with better short-term memory carried a version of the gene known as the T allele. According to brain-imaging studies, people without the T allele gene had more activity in the brain areas involved in memory, suggesting that they had to work harder on memory tests. While scientists don't yet know the exact function of the gene, it may be involved in synaptic plasticity, a form of cellular learning. Researchers say they plan to use the findings to develop new treatments for cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease. Read the press release here (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-10/ttgr-rti101906.php) or the related Science paper here (http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/314/5798/475) (subscription required).

The study is the first published using the 500K Affymetrix chip, which can search for 500,000 genetic variations in a single experiment, drastically reducing the time it takes scientists to identify genes linked to different diseases or other characteristics. Studies using the chip to examine the genetic root of autism, Alzheimer's, and obesity are already under way. (See "A Massive Search for Autism Genes Begins (http://www.techreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17332&ch=biotech&sc=&pg=2).")

A gene known as Kibra plays a role in short-term memory, according to new research from the Translational Genomics Research Institute and the University of Zurich, in Switzerland. Researchers tested short-term memory in 351 Swiss young adults and then did a genome-wide scan of their DNA to identify genetic variants that were correlated to memory performance.

Okay I am guessing by the title you used you are looking medical treatment however what is posted is umm a technology article. Nothing wrong with it in it’s present presentation as it should be seen as a technology advancement however applying to medical treatment will be a tricky ethical business.

Flying by the seat of my trousers (discussion of complex topic the ADD way) Exactly what is normal when it comes to genetics any way? Is it the fat people or the skinny ones? Are the ones with brown hair normal or abnormal? Although the identifying diverse genes is interesting, how far to the autism side do we get before we declare some one as autistic or delete them from the control study subjects.

Autism can be considered dysfunctional especially socially however high functioning Autistic persons tend to be gifted in areas where socially high functioning persons are less capable. I read in book called The Executive brain where Bill Gates actually admitted to having several autism traits. Autistics perceive the world differently than non-autistics. It is this different perspective that enhances their ability in other areas such as computer programming, chemistry and math even music. . . we are going to cure that ?

Diabetic type ll is a disease only because food is readily available daily often with little physical effort. If the food supply gets cut off tomorrow I assure every one will be wishing they were a type 2 diabetic.


When we actually discover what genes create what traits do we use this information to increase the accuracy of diagnosis or will it be used to eliminate certain genetic variations thus decreasing the diversity of our own species?

To decrease certain genetic varieties in an effort “cure” genetically inheritability traits such as autism is to decease the total genetic combination possibilities available to the entire species. In turn this will decrease that species’ ability to adapt to changing environmental demands. Like the difference between having eight colors to choose from and having 64. Yes all colors come from primary colors which are limited, then we have secondary colors but it is the various combinations that gives us diverse colors to choose from .The less possible varieties the less over all adaptability options available to the entire species thus decreasing chances for survival.

Think of the varieties of bacteria all the different “traits’” like colors in a box. There is a bacteria discovered that can digest polyurethane a substance which did not exist until 40-50 years ago! Not only do we have to maintain the ability to adapt to the macro-environment such a weather we need to be able to adapt to other organisms in the context of micro-environments. Life is a fragile thing. I do not see the possibility of curing ADD as much as I see the increased possibly of extinction of the human species. If they were looking at why we have diversity intolerance instead of autism then I would be more hopeful.


If you are indeed interested in a discussion I have three other angles going though my mind I had to edit out for berevity. . The same trait that decreases my ability to have a narrow focus and categorize increases the amount of perspectives and appraoches I can have on one topic. Our individual weakness are our species greatest strengths via diversity. For those of us fortunate enough to be high functioning in our given "conditions" we can apply the same rule to our lives.

If the Kibra gene is related to improved memory, then how long will it be before I can buy a bottle of it? I would give anything (within reason, mostly) to improve my crappy memory.