EHS READING 1 - What research is being done by the NINDS?

Read the article entitled 'What Research Is Being Done by the NINDS?' and answer the questions:

What is the primary role of the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS)?

• To provide clinical care for stroke patients

• To lead stroke research in the United States

• To offer funding for neurological education programs

What is the main focus of researchers at the NINDS who are studying brain damage caused by stroke?

• To understand the mechanisms of secondary brain injury

• To investigate the effectiveness of physical therapy for recovery

• To analyze genetic predisposition to cancer

What chemical messenger becomes toxic when present in excess in the brain?

• Dopamine

• Serotonin

• Glutamate

What is a form of programmed cell death called?

• Inflammation

• Apoptosis

• Ischemia

What are NINDS researchers studying with regard to secondary brain injury?

• How to enhance the blood flow to unaffected brain regions

• How to stimulate rapid cell growth in damaged areas

• How to prevent inflammation and block toxic chemicals

What is gene therapy in the context of stroke research?

• The delivery of a gene to cells to produce therapeutic proteins

• The removal of harmful genes to prevent stroke

• The enhancement of cell communication by using genetic modification

What types of proteins are being explored for stroke therapy in gene therapy research?

• Digestive enzymes

• Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory proteins

• Structural proteins for muscle repair

What must researchers achieve to make gene therapy effective in stroke treatment?

• Implant enough cells to generate brain tissue

• Replace damaged genes with healthy copies

• Deliver therapeutic DNA to enough cells in the right locations

What major obstacle in gene therapy for stroke treatment is mentioned in the text?

• Finding patients willing to participate in trials

• Producing proteins for therapy in insufficient amounts

• Ensuring the inserted DNA reaches appropriate cells

What do NINDS researchers hope to achieve with neuroprotective agents?

• Prevent secondary damage after a stroke

• Completely regenerate damaged brain tissue

• Replace dead brain cells with new ones