Shedding New Light

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter have made great strides toward explaining how genetic mutations found in childhood can lead to severe cognitive and behavioral problems. A study led by Gavin Rumbaugh (right) found many children with severe intellectual and behavioral impairments possess mutations in a protein that plays a crucial role in development. This discovery shows, for the first time, a causative link between abnormal synapse maturation during development and life-long cognitive problems. Scripps is now looking to determine the optimal time to repair these mutations, which may be very early in life. (561-228-2000, scripps.edu)