Brain Cell Development Linked to Intellectual Disabilities
Faster-Than-Normal Development May Be a Possible Cause
Study Suggests Accelerated Development of Cognitive Brain Cells
A new study has found that an accelerated development of brain cells, specifically those related to cognition, could be linked to intellectual disabilities or autism. The study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, suggests that brain cells that mature too quickly may not be able to form the proper connections necessary for normal brain function.
The researchers used a new technique to study the development of brain cells in mice. They found that mice with accelerated brain cell development had difficulty with learning and memory tasks. They also found that these mice had changes in the structure of their brains, including a decreased number of synapses, or connections between brain cells.
The researchers believe that their findings could have implications for the treatment of intellectual disabilities and autism. They say that it may be possible to develop drugs or therapies that can slow down the development of brain cells in order to prevent or treat these conditions.
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