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Current Science Reviews by Joe Bruman May 1996 Naldini F et al; Science, 12 April 1996;263: A hopeful path of PD research is gene transfer therapy, where healthy cells are transplanted to replace the mutant ones that have failed. To get the needed genetic code into the new cells requires a harmless infectious agent called a vector, usually a disabled virus. Authors found that the deadly HIV when so disabled can efficiently insert new genes into chromosomes of lab animals. But they fear that the HIV might recover its deadly nature, and are seeking something with more assured safety. Science News, 13 April 1996;228 (news item): Researchers suspect that scrapie in goats and sheep, BSE (mad cow disease), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare neurodegenerative disease in humans, might all be caused by the same infectious agent, once thought to be a slow virus, but now perhaps a mysterious protein particle called a prion. Prions have no DNA and don't reproduce, but are thought to be produced by the body, in fact essential. Lack of normal prions may be important in other neurodegenerative diseases (such as PD). Berardelli G et al: Brain 1996;119:71-77: Comparison of PD and normal reaction to controlled magnetic stimuli. Ebersbach G et al: Brain 1996;119:79-87: Effect of PD on the way patients look at things. O'Boyle D et al: Brain 1996;119:51-70: Effect of PD on consistency of self-timed repetitive tapping. J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403