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Plant compound reduces cognitive deficits in mouse model of Down syndrome

Researchers found that apigenin improved cognitive and memory deficits in mice with Down syndrome-like characteristics, reducing inflammation and increasing brain growth. This study raises the possibility of a prenatal treatment to lessen cognitive deficits in fetuses diagnosed with Down syndrome through prenatal testing.

New therapeutic targets for treating memory impairment in Down syndrome

A team of researchers has discovered that neural networks relevant to memory and learning are over-activated and connectivity is poor in mice with Down syndrome. Chronic treatment with epigallocatechin gallate improves memory deficits. The study identifies biomarkers in brain rhythms that can predict memory deficits.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2020

The molecule that can AUTAC bad proteins

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a molecule called AUTAC that can target specific intracellular components for degradation via autophagy. This process has been impaired in some cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Down syndrome, making AUTAC a promising innovation for disease treatment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 27, 2019

No US commercial laboratories fully meet guidance for noninvasive prenatal screening

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that none of the US commercial laboratories offering noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) fully meet the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations for genetic disorder detection and reporting. The report highlights inconsistencies and inadequacies in NIPS test res...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 2, 2019

Sensitive sensor detects Down syndrome DNA

A new biosensor has been developed to detect fetal Down syndrome DNA in pregnant women's blood, offering a fast, sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional tests. The sensor can detect DNA concentrations as low as 0.1 fM/L, making it more sensitive than other reported field-effect transistor DNA sensors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 13, 2019

The Down syndrome 'super genome'

A study by UNIGE and UNIL researchers found that individuals with Down syndrome have an excellent genome, better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. This high-quality genome may compensate for the disabilities caused by the extra chromosome 21, enabling some fetuses to reach full term and grow up to old age.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 19, 2018

Trisomy 21: Research breaks new ground

The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Study estimates number of births, population prevalence of Down syndrome in nine states

A new study estimates the numbers of children born annually with Down syndrome and the prevalence of the condition in each of the nine US states. The study found that live birth prevalence ranged from 1 in 729 to 1 in 1,256 across the states, while elective termination reduced the number of births by an average of 39%.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateAug 28, 2017

For people with Down syndrome, varying test results can make it harder to get the right vision prescription

A study found that people with Down syndrome experienced nearly three times greater variability in autorefractor testing compared to a control group. This increased variability can lead to incorrect vision prescriptions and reduced chances of reaching the best possible refraction for those with Down syndrome.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMay 4, 2017