UT Southwestern Researcher Creates Molecule to Fix Genetic Mutation

April 1, 2016

A synthetic molecule developed by UT Southwestern research scientist David Corey’s laboratory may soon treat a rare, incurable genetic disease.

Friedreich’s ataxia is a progressive genetic neuromuscular disease that causes chronic fatigue, balance issues, slurred speech and eventually fatal heart problems. The Corey Lab is working on a treatment to bring hope to patients affected by FA.

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Penguin Brain Evolution Lags Behind Loss of Flight

March 25, 2016

Until about 60 million years ago, penguins soared above the ocean. When they lost the ability to fly, their brains took a while to catch up.

UT geological sciences graduate student James Proffitt compared 3-D models of the inside of the earliest-known flightless penguin skull fossil to the brain shapes of modern penguins. This fossil is about 60 million years old — this penguin was probably alive soon after all penguins stopped flying.

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