Forest Ray PhD,  —

Forest Ray received his PhD in systems biology from Columbia University, where he developed tools to match drug side effects to other diseases. He has since worked as a journalist and science writer, covering topics from rare diseases to the intersection between environmental science and social justice. He currently lives in Long Beach, California.

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FRAXA Supporting Work Into Drug Repurposing to Treat Depression

The FRAXA Research Foundation is supporting a project to identify available medicines that might be repurposed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in people with fragile X syndrome. Depression occurs frequently among people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), of which fragile X is the most common genetic cause.

Study Will Measure Serotonin, Gut Microbes in ASDs

Nova Mentis has launched an observational study examining the interconnected roles that gut microbes, serotonin, and the immune system play in the gut and brain development of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including fragile X syndrome. The study (NCT04869930) aims to develop a set of tools — a…

Cardiac to Dental Problems Can Be Early Signal of Fragile X

Physical health is also affected by fragile X syndrome, with problems evident in the heart, digestive system, respiratory tract and even the teeth years before the cause of patients’ intellectual difficulties might be pinpointed, scientists report. Their study, “Artificial intelligence–assisted phenotype discovery of fragile X syndrome in…

Adapted Educational Strategies Can Help Children With Fragile X

Young children with fragile X syndrome can benefit in school when teachers, therapists, and other caregivers use coping techniques and educational strategies — some very simple — that are specially adapted for the students’ disorder. Katie Clapp, the president and co-founder of the Fragile X Research Association (FRAXA),…

Mice Without FMRP Protein Perceive Pain Differently

The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) — missing or at low levels in people with fragile X syndrome — plays a key role in regulating chronic visceral pain, according to a study. Insufficient FMRP might explain some of the self-injurious behavior seen among people with fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X Premutation Registry Opens to Eligible Adults Worldwide

The International Fragile X Premutation Registry, built to facilitate research into disorders caused by “premutations” in the FMR1 gene, has launched globally and is inviting carriers of these mutations or relatives of fragile X patients to join. Opened last year in the United States by the UC Davis MIND Institute and…