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A mouse model for Angelman and Down syndrome has revealed deficits in touchscreen learning, suggesting that assessing this type of outcome may help identify effective therapies. The study, “Touchscreen learning deficits in Ube3a, Ts65Dn and Mecp2 mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders with intellectual disabilities,” appeared in the journal…

Epileptic seizures contribute more than previously thought to autism symptoms in patients with Angelman syndrome, according to researchers. The study, “Effect of epilepsy on autism symptoms in Angelman syndrome,” was published in the journal Molecular Autism. Autism and epilepsy often co-occur in patients with Angelman syndrome, but…

For the first time, researchers have characterized the nerve cell size and electrical activity in a key auditory area of the brain using a UBE3A gene mouse model. The findings may explain why those with Angelman syndrome are more susceptible to seizures. The study, “Enhanced Transmission at the Calyx…

Vagal nerve stimulation may effectively reduce seizures in children with Angelman syndrome with treatment-refractory epilepsy, a case series report shows. The device also made the children more alert and attentive, researchers reported. Since the study involved only three patients, for which researchers analyzed outcomes retrospectively, the team argued that randomized…