New Finds in Autism Research

By: KARK 4 News

Updated: December 20, 2007

Researchers reversed the signs of a common form of autism, by identifying a protein that's over-stimulated in patients with fragile X syndrome.

That's the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and autism. By studying mice with a similar form of the disease, they found that blocking the activity of this protein lead to near-normal brain function and memory.

A new pill that can block this protein is in development and should be tested in humans soon.

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