Skip to main content

Spectrum: Autism Research News

topic /

Genes

Rare or common, inherited or spontaneous, mutations form the core of autism risk.

September 2019
row of babies playing with toys that look like genome sequence

Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism

by  /  24 September 2019

Tuberous sclerosis provides a unique opportunity to understand autism because about half of people with that single-gene condition also have autism.

Comments
colorful clusters of cells

Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types

by  /  20 September 2019

An online resource reveals all major cell types in the developing human brain during the period in which autism is thought to arise.

Comments
colorful micrograph of cells dividing

Whole-genome study lifts veil on inheritance patterns in autism

by  /  19 September 2019

An analysis of whole-genome sequences from nearly 500 families has implicated 16 new genes in autism.

Comments
triangle effect digital rendering shows the shapes of a red neuron network

Drug screen reveals potential treatments for Rett syndrome

by  /  11 September 2019

An experimental leukemia drug and a chemical in black pepper ease breathing and movement problems in a mouse model of Rett syndrome.

Comments
Scientist Annie Ciernia runs in the forest, wearing lab coat and carrying a stack of papers that are also flying along behind her

Beyond the bench: A conversation with Annie Ciernia

by  /  10 September 2019

Annie Ciernia describes the greenhouse origins of her scientific career and why a unicorn makes a good lab mascot.

Comments
Older father carries son in reed baseball cap

Mutations in sperm may accrue too slowly to increase autism risk

by  /  5 September 2019

A new analysis challenges the idea that mutations in the sperm of older fathers lead to higher rates of autism among their children.

Comments

Protein ‘bubbles’ released from neurons may play role in autism

by  /  4 September 2019

Problems with protein-filled parcels called exosomes may contribute to Rett syndrome, a condition related to autism.

Comments

DNA deletion boosts odds of autism, especially in girls

by  /  2 September 2019

The loss of 21 genes on chromosome 3 may substantially raise the risk of autism.

Comments
August 2019

Trial results temper hopes of tumor drug for treating autism

by  /  29 August 2019

A drug that treats tumors and epilepsy in people with tuberous sclerosis complex does not boost their intelligence or ease autism traits.

Comments

Mice reveal how top autism gene may disrupt brain structure

by  /  26 August 2019

Mutations in an autism gene called ANK2 may alter brain wiring by causing the growth of excess neuronal connections.

Comments