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)
