Scientists have discovered how mutations in two key proteins may lead to autism. They have shown one protein increases the excitability of nerve cells, while the other inhibits cell activity. The University of Texas team found that in normal circumstances the proteins balance each other out. But the study, published in Neuron, suggests that in people with autism the balance between the proteins is knocked out of kilter.
Symptoms of mental retardation and autism have been reversed for the first time in laboratory mice. US scientists created mice that showed symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome - a leading cause of mental retardation and autism in humans. They then reversed symptoms of the condition by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the brain. The study, by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Local MP Tim Farron is seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport to press the case for signs to the Yorkshire Dales at junction 37 of the M6 in the same way that signs have been provided to the Lake District at junction 36. His campaign has the support of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
On the day that local health trusts are expected to rubber stamp proposals to close the Coronary Care Unit at the Westmorland General Hospital, local MP Tim Farron has written to all GPs across his constituency to ask them in confidence for their opinions on the closure.
Local MP Tim Farron has condemned the Sudanese government for putting suspected war criminals beyond the reach of International Criminal Court. He has tabled a motion urging the UK and its international partners to take action in order to ensure that justice prevails in Darfur. The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued two arrest warrants against government minister Ahmad Harun and Janjawid leader Ali Kushayb suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur, Sudan. Tim hopes that, with the support of fellow MPs and human rights group Amnesty, more will be done to prevent the remit of the ICC being circumvented by the Sudanese authorities who have so far refused to allow the accused be tried for crimes including murder, rape and torture.
Local MP, Tim Farron was present in the House of Commons today for Tony Blair's last appearance behind the Despatch Box at Prime Minister's Question Time.
