Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Scientists reveal why some brains stop growing too soon


Researchers used miniature human brains grown in the lab to uncover why certain genetic mutations lead to abnormally small brains. Changes in actin disrupted the orientation of early brain cell divisions, causing crucial progenitor cells to disappear too soon. This reduced the brain’s ability to grow normally. The work offers a clear cellular explanation for microcephaly linked to Baraitser-Winter syndrome.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Brains

Brains

Photo of Scientists

Scientists

Related news:

News photo

Scientists discover how cell walls guide stem cells - EurekAlert!

News photo

1.5-million-year-old fossil face is forcing a rethink of human origins

News photo

Scientists put nanomotors in motion in artificial cells - EurekAlert!