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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Author

Tara Santora

Tara Santora is a former intern at Spectrum and a freelance journalist based in New York City. Tara has written about health and the environment for publications such as Psychology Today and Audubon magazine. They are also a graduate student at New York University’s Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program.

April 2020
Microscope image of Fragile X chromosome

U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome

by  /  8 April 2020

A new blood test can identify within seven hours whether a person carries the genetic mutation underlying fragile X syndrome.

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March 2020
multiple brain scans showing brain activity during different tasks. Purple background and brains in pink, red and green tones indicate activity.

New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism

by  /  18 March 2020

A new technique allows researchers to analyze raw data across multiple studies that use electroencephalography.

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February 2020
a pattern shows a helix-like form repeating in yellow on dark background.

Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism

by  /  19 February 2020

A new technique detects rare mutations that occur in only a subset of the body’s cells.

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A baby in a yellow jumper that has movement tracking sensors

Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism

by  /  12 February 2020

A new jumpsuit is fitted with sensors that can track and classify an infant’s posture and movements.

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January 2020

Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits

by  /  17 January 2020

Electronic neurons made from silicon mimic brain cells and could be used to treat conditions such as autism.

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People from Asia have high genetic diversity due to historical mixing with many ethnic groups, represented here by different colors. Each horizontal strip includes one more geographical region than the strip above it.

Catalog of Asia’s genetic diversity may aid search for autism variants

by  /  10 January 2020

A new resource details the genetic diversity of people in Asia and may shed light on genetic conditions such as autism.

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Brain MRIs showing injured blood vessels

Study ties gene active in developing brain to autism

by  /  6 January 2020

Mutations in a gene called ZNF292 lead to a variety of developmental conditions, including autism and intellectual disability.

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December 2019
variants across the genome are shown in a wheel shaped visualization

New database catalogs variants in autism genes

by  /  13 December 2019

A new database cross-checks study participants to avoid double-counting variants linked to autism genes.

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unsafe behavior in autistic young people

Many young autistic people harm themselves, others

by  /  11 December 2019

Nearly one-third of autistic young people put themselves or others in danger in any given three-month period.

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November 2019

Drug combination mutes sensitivity to noise in autism mice

by  /  25 November 2019

A mix of two drugs eases hypersensitivity to noise in mice missing an autism gene — offering the promise of a similar treatment for autistic people.

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