New Science Affecting Down Syndrome

Scientists are unraveling the cause of Down syndrome and how to repair it. People with this condition have smaller cerebellums which affects their ability to learn and remember important concepts. Using mice, modified with a similar condition to Down syndrome, researchers injected a molecule into their brains on the day they were born. This particular molecule enabled the mice cerebellums to grow to normal size. They were then able to function just as well as unmodified mice. Roger Reeves at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said, “We’re on the verge of a revolution for expanding the potential of people born with [Down syndrome].” Since ninety-percent of unborn babies diagnosed with Down in the womb are aborted, this has the potential of saving countless lives.