Scientists report that they have made an advance in gene therapy research, using the biotech technique to insert small genes into mice that have a genetic mutation of the protein laminin alpha-2. The approach, the researchers said, "improved both the general health and longevity in mice with congenital muscular dystrophy." We'll talk about the project, and whether an approach that works in mice could be applied to help human children with muscular dystrophy.

Then, we'll turn our attention to another health issue -- the rise of antibiotic resistance in certain strains of bacteria. The use of antibiotics in agriculture has been cited as one possible cause of the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. Recently, the FDA withdrew its permission for the antibiotic Baytril to be used in treating poultry, one of its largest applications. However, it is still allowed for certain other agricultural uses. The chemical structure of the drug is similar to that of the antibiotic Cipro. We'll talk about the decision, and about antibiotic resistance in general.

Finally -- can regular memory exercise help ward off declines in brain ability later in life? We'll talk about whether brain workouts can help improve memory skills. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:

Xiao Xiao
Associate Professor, Orthopedic Surgery and Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Stuart Levy, M.D.
President, the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics
Professor, of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, and of Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts

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Aaron Nelson
Chief of Neuropsychology
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Harvard Medical School Guide to Achieving Optimal Memory," by Aaron P. Nelson, Susan Gilbert. McGraw-Hill, 2005.

"The Antibiotic Paradox: How the Misuse of Antibiotics Destroys Their Curative Powers" by Stuart B. Levy, MD. HarperCollins, 2002.

"Amelioration of laminin-{alpha}2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy by somatic gene transfer of miniagrin," by Chunping Qiao et al. PNAS Early Edition, published online 15 Aug 2005, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0502137102

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This segment produced by Anne Marie Cunningham