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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
May 2018

Europe’s new law on data privacy could stifle science

by  /  8 May 2018

A new law’s increased protections on privacy are likely to make research projects involving big data less efficient, more complex and more difficult to reproduce.

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Autism meeting evolves to address needs of people on the spectrum

by  /  1 May 2018

The annual meeting of International Society for Autism Research has aligned its offerings with the priorities of people with autism and their families.

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April 2018

Why no one needs a diagnosis of ‘social communication disorder’

by  /  17 April 2018

A diagnosis of social communication disorder only keeps people from a community and resources they desperately want and need.

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For accurate results in autism, genetic databases need diversity

by ,  /  10 April 2018

We must diversify databases of reference DNA to improve our ability to interpret the consequences of genetic variation.

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How to break new ground in the search for autism biomarkers

by  /  3 April 2018

A large dataset that catalogs the features of many brain conditions could transform the quest for biomarkers of autism.

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March 2018

Explaining ‘resilience’ in autism may seed new therapies

by  /  27 March 2018

Some individuals who have autism mutations show no signs of the condition; understanding why may lead to treatments.

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How variability among mouse strains can aid autism research

by  /  21 March 2018

Researchers can convert the distinct genetic backgrounds of lab mice from a problem to an advantage, exploiting the differences to advance our understanding of autism.

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scientist looks through binoculars showing a boy on one side, and a mouse on the other.

Why we need a mouse version of a diagnostic test for autism

by ,  /  21 March 2018

Researchers have developed behavioral measures that can accurately diagnose autism in people; these lessons can and should be applied to mice.

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‘Outdated’ mouse model exposes key disruptions in autism brain

by  /  21 March 2018

A mouse model based on exposure to an epilepsy drug offers a useful window into the brain circuits altered in autism.

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How to improve mouse models’ usefulness for understanding autism

by  /  20 March 2018

Integrating human-specific genetic elements into mice may provide a permissive, ‘humanized’ environment for studying autism.

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