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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: Simons Simplex Collection

June 2015

Boys with autism inherit mutations from unaffected mothers

by  /  1 June 2015

Rare inherited mutations may contribute to autism in roughly 10 percent of boys with the disorder, according to a study published 11 May in Nature Genetics. These genetic glitches are primarily passed down from unaffected mothers.

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February 2015

Maternal infection exacerbates genes’ effect on autism

by  /  23 February 2015

Children with too many or too few copies of certain genes are more likely to have autism, as are children born to women who battled a severe infection while pregnant. These seemingly disparate risk factors may work together to worsen autism symptoms.

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December 2014

Notable papers of 2014

by  /  22 December 2014

It’s no easy feat to whittle down the list of the most influential autism papers to a mere 10. So please consider this but a taste of the burgeoning field, presented in chronological order and based on suggestions from many researchers.

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Future of autism genetics should learn from its past

by  /  9 December 2014

To optimize the search for autism genes, researchers should collect large numbers of sequences — but the sequences need to be of the right kind, says Michael Ronemus.

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Facial measurements resurface in search for autism clues

by  /  8 December 2014

A group of scientists is using fast, accurate and minimally invasive measurement systems to revive the once-tedious trade of dysmorphology, or the study of unusual facial features, in autism.

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November 2014

Rare mutations linked to severity of autism symptoms

by  /  3 November 2014

Boys with autism who carry rare, spontaneous mutations have lower intelligence quotients and more severe symptoms than do those who may have inherited the disorder. The finding, published 21 October in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, hints at two classes of autism risk with varying severity.

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October 2014

Massive sequencing studies reveal key autism genes

by  /  29 October 2014

Analyzing the sequences of more than 20,000 people, researchers have unearthed the largest and most robust list of autism genes so far, they reported today in Nature.

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Mark Daly maps the genetic architecture of autism

 /  1 October 2014

On 1 October, Mark Daly discussed new insights into autism from common and rare genetic variants. (Due to technical issues, the video replay for this webinar is unavailable.)

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September 2014

New algorithm detects DNA insertions and deletions

by  /  10 September 2014

A new algorithm accurately detects large DNA insertions and deletions in the protein-coding regions of the genome.

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August 2014

Should autism research focus on common or rare risk factors?

by  /  20 August 2014

New estimates on the role of common mutations in autism raise questions about how to quantify and parse genetic risk. Three experts say both common and rare variants are worth pursuing.
 

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