WASHINGTON The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today informed Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that Brown University will receive $269,300 for research on the Fragile X syndrome.Fragile X is a family of genetic conditions which causes a wide range of mental impairments, from mild learning disabilities to severe mental retardation. Reed stated, Brown University has been a national leader in medical research. I am pleased that it has been chosen to receive this important federal funding for research on the Fragile X syndrome.Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and impairment, affecting approximately 1 in 3,600 males and 1 in 4,000 females with the full mutation. In May, Reed joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committees Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services requesting that the Subcommittee support increased funding for federal research on Fragile X syndrome.Reed concluded, Federal funding is an essential component in allowing our leading research institutions carry out their important work. It is my hope that their efforts will one day eliminate this serious condition.- end -