Taking out the trash: New study finds clearing specific cell “trash” is possible and may be target for future treatments of neurodegenerative diseases

Cells make a lot of trash. Probably more than you’d think. So, cells have a trash disposal system that efficiently cleans up and recycles any waste that is produced. But when there are issues with the disposal system and trash builds up in the cell, that can lead to disease. This has led researchers to consider the trash disposal system as a target for potential disease treatments and therapies.

Waisman Center IDDRC funds three pilot projects on novel Down syndrome research

Three Waisman Center investigators and affiliates were awarded an internal grant to support Down syndrome research in its early stages. The funds were made possible through the Ann Dewey Down Syndrome Catalyst Fund at the Waisman Center.

¡A movernos!: La actividad física puede ser desafiante, pero muy beneficiosa para las personas con discapacidades del desarrollo; algunas modificaciones pueden ayudar

Dicen que el movimiento es medicina y si bien la actividad física tiene tantos beneficios para todos, ¿qué haces cuando moverte es un desafío? Para algunos el desafío es el tiempo, para otros la motivación, pero para las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD, por sus siglas en inglés) existen muchas barreras que pueden hacer que la actividad física sea un poco más difícil de lograr.

Let’s get moving: physical activity can be challenging but highly beneficial for individuals with developmental disabilities, a few modifications may help

Español By Charlene N. Rivera-Bonet | Waisman Science Writer The researchers interviewed for this story use identity-first language in alignment with the preferences of many of those in the autistic community. This story reflects that preference. …

Organoids are becoming more popular in research, consistency in their use is needed for more accurate results

To the naked eye, they look like tiny blobs free floating in a pink liquid. Under a light microscope, they look similar. But organoids, a 3-D mini version of an organ grown in a lab, may contain invaluable information about how the human brain develops.