Researchers at McGill have identified a gene that causes the developmental disorder spina bifida, the second most prevalent birth defect after cardiac abnormalities. The discovery is expected to aid in the diagnosis of the condition, which in its most severe form can lead to crippling disabilities. "We've known for years that there's a genetic component, and now we've discovered one of the culprits," said Philippe Gros, the biochemistry professor who led the team in co-operation with researchers at the Instituto Giannina Gaslini in Genoa, Italy.