Mental retardation is a term for a pattern of persistently slow learning of basic motor and language skills (“milestones”) during childhood, and a significantly below-normal global intellectual capacity as an adult..

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Severe Mental Retardation Gene Mutation Identified (March 20, 2007) — Researchers have identified a novel gene mutation that causes X-linked mental retardation for which there was no previously known molecular diagnosis, according to an article to be published … > read more

OHSU Researchers Discover Brain Cell Mechanism Possibly Linked To Mental Retardation (February 20, 2003) — Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have discovered a key cellular mechanism in the brain possibly involved in mental retardation. The research may be used to develop new … > read more

Progress In Mental Retardation Research (February 17, 2000) — A major rationale for genome sequencing is the promise of understanding human disorders, as articles in Genome Research often remind us. This month, in a report on recent progress in mental … > read more

Blood Markers Associated With Autism And Mental Retardation (April 26, 2001) — A new study shows that elevated concentrations of proteins present at birth in the blood may be associated with the development of autism and mental retardation later in childhood. The identification … > read more

Low Birth Weight Infants May Have Cognitive And Physical Problems When They Reach Adolescence (October 3, 2006) — Sixteen-year-olds who weighed less than 2,000 grams (about 4.5 pounds) at birth and are not disabled are still more likely than the average teenager to have physical and mental difficulties, … > read more