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Autism Reversed in Mice at MIT Lab

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the only-one-man-would-dare-give-me-the-fragile-x dept.

ClayTapes writes "It seems that scientists at MIT have been able to reverse the effects of autism and some forms of mental retardation in mice caused by fragile X chromosomes. They do so by targeting an enzyme that changes the structure of connections between brain cells. The treatment actually repairs these structural abnormalities which suggests that it may be possible to reverse the effects in children who already show symptoms."

9 of 303 comments (clear)

  1. Amazingly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The mice are still not talking... except for one.

    1. Re:Amazingly by Ub3rT3Rr0R1St · · Score: 4, Funny

      Rain Mouse!

    2. Re:Amazingly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      yeah, but that one became the US president 7 years ago. And it still does not make sense when talking.

    3. Re:Amazingly by fohat · · Score: 5, Funny

      Rain Mouse is two words...
      definitely...
      definitely two words...

      --
      Is there heaven? Is there Hell? Is that a Tuna Melt I smell?-Primus
  2. Now all we need by also-rr · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is a drug that turns people into mice and 99% of diseases will be a solved problem.

    --
    Think of the Children; Sleep with your Sister
    1. Re:Now all we need by Tackhead · · Score: 5, Funny
      > Is a drug that turns people into mice and 99% of diseases will be a solved problem.

      "Stop giving away our plans, Pinky, or I shall have to hurt you."

  3. Re:great by jollyreaper · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just being small and furry makes it hard for mice to socialize at parties. I can't even imagine how hard it would be for an autistic mouse. Well, it could be worse. They could be partying with Richard Gere.
    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  4. Re:Further information by GodfatherofSoul · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm not an authority on this, except that I once did a 6 minute presentation for one of my biology classes. On the Slashdot scale, that makes you a Doctor of Autistic Studies.

    --
    I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
  5. Re:great by jollyreaper · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just being small and furry makes it hard for mice to socialize at parties. I can't even imagine how hard it would be for an autistic mouse. Well, it could be worse. They could be partying with Richard Gere. Flamebait? Who modded me down, a jealous gerbil?
    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne