Have you heard of Ciliopathies?
Apparently the cilia on cells, “small antenna-like structures protruding from the surface of most cells,” are responsible for many functions in the body and if they don’t work well many things can go wrong.
Researchers are starting to connect the dots between ciliopathies (damaged or nonfunctioning cilia) and various genetic diseases, including Joubert Syndrome and retinal dysfunction. Very interesting.
{ 0 comments }
|
|
|
|
Researches at Tufts University (my alma mater!) are working on a new way to deliver the “good” genes in gene therapy.
At this point, gene therapy is usually done by using a virus (or vector) as a carrier which then takes the good genes or proteins to the affected area (in this case, the retina) and fills in what the defective gene is lacking.
This is of course a simplified version of what they do, but I’m not a scientist.
The new method, called PEG-POD, would hopefully be safer and more effective and may even be usable as a simple IV injection in the future.
{ 0 comments }
|
|
|
|
|
I just found out about this organization, The Lollipop Kids Foundation, and their very resourceful website. The foundation helps families of children with special needs and their site provides articles and interesting news about raising a disabled child.
The mission of the foundation is simple:
The mission of the Lollipop Kids Foundation is to make a positive impact on the lives of children with special needs. To this end, The Lollipop Kids Foundation provides programs, equipment and resources for families raising children with special needs. Our goal is to support, empower and encourage families striving to maintain a sense of balance in their lives.
{ 0 comments }
|
|
|
|
|
|
read our parent guide |
|
|
shop our baby store |
|
|
get our free newsletter |
WonderBaby sponsored by:
Subscribe to our feed and have WonderBaby news delivered to you free via RSS or Email:
