DNA research finds missing link; In association with NHS.A MISSING slice of DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. has been identified as a potent risk factor for epilepsy, it was revealed. The discovery may help scientists understand the cause of unexplained seizures and develop potential new treatments. Up to a third of all cases of epilepsy are defined as "idiopathic", meaning their origin is unknown. The new research focused on a region of chromosome 15, one of the "packages" of DNA found within the nucleus of every cell, previously linked to combinations of mental retardation, schizophrenia, autism autism (ô`tĭzəm), developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterized by the abnormal development of communication skills, social skills, and reasoning. and epilepsy. |
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