This article explains how scientists may have found the answer to depression. They say that low levels of the protein p11 in the brain may cause depression. This defect is found in the brain's nucleus accumbens which involves the control of pleasure, drug addiction and depression. The team of scientists tested the behavior of mice by lowering the levels of this protein. The experiment was effective since the mice began to struggle and show signs of depression. They were able to reverse the mice's behavior later on by treating it with gene therapy. They are hopeful to start treating patients with this disease in about one to two years.
The experiment in my article is an example of hypothesis based science because Michael Kaplitt (leader) and his team were able to test their hypothesis by gathering data from the mice's behavior.
This research is very important for humans because it may be the answer to a disease that has affected the lives of many.
Author: Laura Sanders
Title of Article: Gene therapy might ease depression
Journal: Science News
Date published: November 20, 2010
Page: 14
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