Scientists uncover secrets of how intellect and behavior emerge during childhood
Thursday, November 8, 2012 - 17:30
in Health & Medicine
Scientists have shown that a single protein plays an oversized role in intellectual and behavioral development. The scientists found that mutations in a single gene, which is known to cause intellectual disability and increase the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, severely disrupts the organization of developing brain circuits during early childhood. This study helps explain how genetic mutations can cause profound cognitive and behavioral problems.