Scientists have a discovered a gene called Npas4 that keeps brain activity in check. Targeting this gene may one day lead to drugs that can help autistic children.
Scientists say they have pinpointed a gene in the brain that can calm nerve cells that become too jumpy, potentially paving the way for new therapies to treat autism and other neurological disorders.
The brain is continually trying to strike a balance between too much and too little nerve cell activity. Neurologists believe that when the balance tips, disorders such as autism and schizophrenia may occur. They are not sure why neurons (nerve cells) go berserk. But Greenberg (Neurobiologist at Harvard Medical School) says he and his colleagues located a gene in mice and rats that helps keep neural activity in checkāand may one day be manipulated to prevent or reverse neurological problems.

(Photo taken from Volunteer Boston)
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Reference: Scientific American, Nature

