When a gene implicated in human autism is disabled in mice, the rodents show learning problems and obsessive, repetitive behaviors, researchers have found.
Autism researchers announce breakthrough in identifying gene April 29, 2009 Apr. 29--Researchers say they have found the first piece of the genetic puzzle that could lead to greatly improved diagnosis, treatment and even prevention of autism.
Single Gene Mutation Responsible For 'Catastrophic Epilepsy' Catastrophic epilepsy -- characterized by severe muscle spasms, persistent seizures, mental retardation and sometimes autism -- results from a mutation in a single gene, researchers report.
Light At Night Linked To Symptoms Of Depression In Mice Too much light at night can lead to symptoms of depression, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that mice housed in a lighted room 24 hours a day exhibited more depressive symptoms than did similar mice that had a normal light-dark cycle.
Possible Link Between Autism And Oxytocin Gene Via Non-DNA Sequence Mutation Researchers have uncovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and which doesn't involve changes to DNA sequence. The changes are to the way the genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism. The researchers found higher-than-usual numbers of gene-regulating molecules called methyl groups in a region of the genome
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