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Sonic the Brain Chemical

Posted by michael on from the need-more-rings dept.

GamerBub writes "A chemical protein that appears to prevent Parkinson's Disease has been named Sonic the Hedgehog. According to the National Post."

4 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. And in other news... by Aardpig · · Score: 4, Informative

    ...Slashdot is over six years behind Google. D'oh, guys, D'OH!

    --
    Tubal-Cain smokes the white owl.
  2. Why? by GuyMannDude · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Does anyone know why the protein was named after Sonic? The linked article doesn't really give any indication why that name was picked.

    GMD

    --
    watch this
    1. Re:Why? by ag3n7 · · Score: 5, Informative

      The reason why the chemical is called Sonic Hedgehog has only a passing relation to the video game. One of the researchers was an avid video game fan and the chemical's precursors are actually: SoNiC. Hence the play on word, Sonic Hedgehog.

      Plus, it has to do with increasing the speed between synapse firings.

  3. Whats so wrong... by maxinull · · Score: 3, Funny

    with putting a little bit of fun in science? I'm sure kids in high school biology would much rather learn about Sonic the Hedgehog and how he helps fight Parkinson's, rather than (insert boring sceintifc name here)!

    Though, when theres a Dr. Robotnic filling out perscriptions, then you can bust out the lawsuits.