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Spectrum: Autism Research News

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Science & Society

From funding decisions to scientific fraud, a wide range of societal factors shape autism research.

October 2014

Paired genetic analysis may pare down list of autism genes

by  /  15 October 2014

Combining analysis of large deletions or duplications in the genome with sequences from protein-coding regions can identify new syndromes, as well as the mutations that cause those disorders, according to a report published 14 September in Nature Genetics.

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How early should autism treatment begin?

by  /  15 October 2014

The preliminary success of a therapy designed to help infants with symptoms of autism raises broader questions about the potential promise and many challenges of early intervention.

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Studies struggle to pin down gender differences in autism

by  /  14 October 2014

Two new studies, both by reputable teams of researchers, report that there are no detectable differences between boys and girls with autism.

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Restricted behaviors link autism, attention deficit

by ,  /  10 October 2014

Restricted behaviors in autism represent a genetic link with inattention and hyperactivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, say Tinca Polderman and Henrik Larsson.

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Latino parents misread early signs of autism

by  /  3 October 2014

Many Latino parents in the U.S. know little about autism, and some have never heard of the disorder before, finds a small study. They also tend to normalize autism symptoms or view them as a sign of family problems.

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Brain development gene emerges as strong autism candidate

by  /  2 October 2014

Hundreds of genes are linked to autism, but most have not been clearly characterized. ADNP is one of a small group of genes that, when mutated, seem to lead to autism in a substantial proportion of cases.
 

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Gene-editing tool can erase proteins at neuronal junctions

by  /  1 October 2014

CRISPR, the genetic tool that cuts and pastes DNA, can eliminate specific proteins at the points of connection between neurons. The method, described 3 September in Neuron, could help researchers determine the role of those proteins in brain signaling.

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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

California universities to come together for autism research

by  /  22 September 2014

The University of California has launched an ambitious 18-month project to connect autism researchers across its ten campuses.

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New clues connect altered patterns of DNA tags to autism

by  /  16 September 2014

Methyl tags on DNA are distributed differently in postmortem brains from people with autism than in control brains, and mouse pups can inherit altered methylation from their older fathers, report two new studies.

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