News tagged with cognitive defects


Researchers discover that errors in RNA splicing lead to a class of neurological disorders 

(Medical Xpress)—Researchers have found that missteps in a basic cellular process, RNA splicing, is the culprit behind a class of rare neurological disorders manifested by intellectual disability and stunted development.

Genetics created Mar 29, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers unravel molecular roots of Down syndrome

Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that the extra chromosome inherited in Down syndrome impairs learning and memory because it leads to low levels of SNX27 protein in the brain.

Medical research created Mar 24, 2013 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (9) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study shows how insulin-like molecules play critical role in learning and memory

Though it's most often associated with disorders like diabetes, Harvard researchers have shown how the signaling pathway of insulin and insulin-like peptides plays another critical role in the body – helping ...

Neuroscience created Feb 26, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Cell loss in the brain relates to variations in individual symptoms in Huntington's disease

Scientists have wrestled to understand why Huntington's disease, which is caused by a single gene mutation, can produce such variable symptoms. An authoritative review by a group of leading experts summarizes the progress ...

Neuroscience created Jan 07, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study finds long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid use may impact visuospatial memory

The long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) may severely impact the user's ability to accurately recall the shapes and spatial relationships of objects, according to a recent study conducted by McLean Hospital ...

Neuroscience created Dec 14, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Discovery of molecular pathway of Alzheimer's disease reveals new drug targets

The discovery of the molecular pathway that drives the changes seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients is reported today, revealing new targets for drug discovery that could be exploited to combat the disease. The study ...

Alzheimer's disease & dementia created Nov 20, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Boosting natural marijuana-like brain chemicals treats fragile X syndrome symptoms

American and European scientists have found that increasing natural marijuana-like chemicals in the brain can help correct behavioral issues related to fragile X syndrome, the most common known genetic cause of autism.

Autism spectrum disorders created Sep 25, 2012 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Protein inhibitor points to potential medical treatments for skull and skin birth defects

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York have found new clues in the pathogenesis of skull and skin birth defects associated with a rare genetic disorder, Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome (BSS). Using ...

Pediatrics created May 15, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Evolution's gift may also be at the root of a form of autism

A recently evolved pattern of gene activity in the language and decision-making centers of the human brain is missing in a disorder associated with autism and learning disabilities, a new study by Yale University researchers ...

Genetics created May 10, 2012 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (2) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Study finds two genes affect anxiety, behavior in mice with too much MeCP2

The anxiety and behavioral issues associated with excess MeCP2 protein result from overexpression of two genes (Crh [corticotropin-releasing hormone] and Oprm 1 [mu-opioid receptor MOR 1]), which may point the way to treating ...

Genetics created Jan 08, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Biologists use flies, mice to study Down syndrome

A novel study involving fruit flies and mice has allowed biologists to identify two critical genes responsible for congenital heart defects in individuals with Down syndrome, a major cause of infant mortality ...

Genetics created Nov 04, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast