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Emerging tools and techniques that may advance autism research.

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January 2020
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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New data establishes norms for developmental milestones

by  /  3 January 2020

A new resource that details the ages at which children attain milestones such as speaking and walking could help clinicians spot autism sooner.

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December 2019
Child in a bike helmet repurposed as a brain scanner, smiles and laughs

Modified bike helmet scans brains of people in motion

by  /  20 December 2019

A magnetic scanner fitted within an ordinary bicycle helmet may make it easier to visualize autistic children’s brains.

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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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Large genome sequence in blues and purple

Human reference genome gains global diversity

by  /  6 December 2019

A new reference genome includes sequences collected from people around the globe, plugging major gaps in the current one.

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November 2019

Study links large set of common genes to brain structure

by  /  29 November 2019

A new analysis of nearly 40,000 people pinpoints 48 genetic variants that may determine the volume of certain brain areas.

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High-frequency sound waves locate cells in deep tissues

by  /  22 November 2019

A new technique uses ultrasound instead of light to detect gene expression in cells.

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Micrograph of mouse brain showing transplanted human microglia

Chimeric mouse model aids study of brain’s immune cells

by  /  15 November 2019

A new technique allows researchers to transplant human microglia into mouse brains and better study the association between these cells and autism.

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Chromosomes swapping DNA

CRISPR technique tracks genetic activity in real time

by  /  8 November 2019

A new method scans gene expression in live cells and could help scientists study autism genes.

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Neurons in zebrafish spinal motor circuit

New technique follows single neurons from birth to brain circuit

by  /  1 November 2019

A new technique lets researchers watch brain circuits as they’re being built, starting from the individual neurons birth.

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