Odd News

New scientific research suggests that some people really are just bad drivers. Scientists found out that some individuals who are born with a certain variant of a gene do not stay on the road as good as other people. The results of the research founded by the National Institutes of Health say 30 percent of Americans are bad driers, having this gene which, as they say, equals bad driving. The research was held on only 29 individuals, 22 without bad-driving gene and just 7 with it. The participants were asked to drive 15 laps on a simulator. Researchers prepared difficult track with curves and turns and measured how well they stayed on course. Four days later, the drivers repeated the test on simulator. Results of both tests proved that people with the gene performed 20 percent worse than people without the gene. Scientists say the gene is able to limit the availability of a certain protein during any activity. This protein is needed for communication between brain cell! s and it also keeps them in the best shape. That is why it strengthens a memory and helps the body to respond when the task comes. People with the gene make more mistakes and they also forget more of what they learned, according to Steven Cramer, neurology associate professor at the University of California, who led the research. Compared with people carrying a ordinary type of this gene, when individuals with this variant must complete a task a smaller portion of the brain gets stimulated. The gene variant is also good, in some cases. People with the gene are able to maintain their mental sharpness longer when Parkinson's or any other neurodegenerative disease is present. The journal Cerebral Cortex brings more detailed information about the research.

related story (sgx15755): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1223620/Are-bad! -dr...

by Magdalena Rosova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

PocketNews is a new real-time news broadcaster delivering the latest and hottest news right to your pocket ! With global clients who want to be kept up to date, PocketNews is everyone's way of keeping in touch with the World.