Word: parkinsonism
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...speak of genetic engineering as restricting a child's freedom is contradictory: there is no ghostly pre-conception "potential child" whose free will to exist must be respected. Basing identity on genes would represent the worst kind of identity politics--identities should not be protected above people, and eliminating Parkinson's disease is different from eliminating those who suffer from...
...payment for embryos and no dedication of embryonic cells for specific recipients (say, for injection into a sick family member). Finally, there is the potential benefit. Because embryonic stem cells can theoretically develop into any cell type in the body, they could cure all kinds of diseases, such as Parkinson's, diabetes and Alzheimer's. Will it work? We can't know without the research...
...PARKINSON'S DISEASE In an important step forward for both Parkinson's research and the struggling field of gene therapy, scientists in Chicago used a gene that boosts dopamine production and strengthens brain cells to successfully treat monkeys showing symptoms of the neurodegenerative disorder. By injecting a virus containing the GDNF (glial-derived neurotrophic factor) gene directly into monkeys' brains, scientists stimulated cell growth in areas normally injured by Parkinson's and reduced symptoms of the disease, such as hand tremors. Although success in primates doesn't mean success in humans, researchers hope to start clinical trials in humans within...
...advanced conotoxin-derived drug in development is Elan Corp.'s Ziconotide, a nonaddictive treatment for severe chronic pain that is awaiting FDA approval. Cognetix, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently started clinical trials on a possible epilepsy treatment. Also in the works: potential therapies for schizophrenia, stroke and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases...
Many of the new drugs are old drugs turned to different uses. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has five compounds under review for use against cocaine dependence, all of them originally developed for treating Parkinson's disease--a good example of how different neurological disorders can have common biochemical threads. Researchers are also trying to fashion drugs that release their essential ingredients more slowly, over a period of weeks rather than hours or days, eliminating the need for daily pills or injections. That would make life easier for deinstitutionalized street people and embarrassed kids who must leave the classroom...