Gene Therapy Proposed to Treat Depression

There are so many people in the world we live in who suffer from depression, but what treatment options are there for them? Testing for a new treatment that could cure depression in humans is underway: gene therapy. A lack of a gene called p11 has been shown to lead to depression in humans. Tests on mice have been conducted on mice that lack p11 and mice that are healthy. Viruses containing the gene were injected into the mice and reversed the depression in the mice. Similar procedures have been used for people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. More tests are being conducted, now on primates to support a trial for human use.
Are they justified in using animals for testing if it is for a medical benefit? Is the lack of the gene p11 the only thing that causes depression, can people who don’t lack this gene become depressed?
To get more information, read the article at http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20827831.900-gene-therapy-proposed-to-treat-depression.html

Extra Organs?

It is said that the appendix, wisdom teeth, vomeronasal organ, Darwin's point, and goose bumps are organs that humans have that are completely pointless and no longer needed on the human body. Is that necessarily true? If we didn't have those organs would it make us any less human? Would we be considered normal without the prescence of these specific organs? People may have an affinity for one of these organs and might feel "naked" without them. Do you personally have a preference? If so, why? What is so "special" about the organ(s) that make you want to keep them? Read the article at the link below to get more ideas.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13927-five-things-humans-no-longer-need.html

Tattoo - Past to Present

Read the article about ancient tattoos http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19557-ancient-tattoos-linked-to-healing-ritual.html. In the article, scientists state that mummies have been found with multiple tattoos, some of which were for decoration. In today's culture tattoos are very popular and accepted, what else in modern day culture reflects ancient rituals like tattoos?
Also in the article some scientists believe the tattoos could be for rituals to improve health and strength. They state several reasons to support this, such as what was used for the ink, and where the tattoos were placed. What are some reasons that go against the theory that the tattoos found on these mummies are for anything more than for cosmetic purposes?

2010-2011 Blogging

Hi all,
Well, here we are with a new school year. This year will be a bit different. All of the Jr. and Sr. science students will be reading articles at New Scientist.com. From those articles, they will create a blog post that will encourage conversation and opinions. Be watching for the first post. Freshmen and Sophomores are required to post at least 5 times. For complete rules check out either of my web sites. You know where to find those. Lets grow in science understanding!