DNA

One of two Colorado brothers undergoing an experimental stem-cell transplant to treat a rare genetic disorder has died.

Officials say three year old Douglas Nicoll died in his parents' arms yesterday at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Both he and one year old brother Cameron have been diagnosed
with Sanfilippo syndrome. They were among about half a dozen patients set to undergo umbilical cord blood transplants at the North Carolina hospital, to try an cure the disorder.

Doug Nicoll, Douglas' father, says that his son now is at peace. As he wrote in an online journal, "He [Douglas] is dancing in Heaven with God and Elmo.''

Those suffering from Sanfilippo syndrome are missing an enzyme needed to break down sugar, which eventually leads to irreversible
damage to internal organs and later, death.

Douglas' parents say one year old Cameron's treatment is showing signs of success so far.