Katherine Poinsatte, PhD,  Science writer—

Researchers identified a new mutation in the MeCP2 gene in a Chinese boy diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a condition that rarely affects males. The boy exhibited diverse symptoms, including limited movements, breathing and sleep problems, heart and lung defects, and abnormal brain wave activity. “Our discovery of…

Brain transplant of neural precursor cells, which are self-renewing cells that give rise to neurons and other cells in the brain, can reduce mortality, and restore memory and motor functions in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, according to a recent study. Genetic analysis revealed these cells may be…