The largest analysis of human samples to date, plus work in mice and zebrafish, detail the gene KMT5B’s role in brain development.

Mice and zebrafish missing the GIGYF1 gene show social traits reminiscent of autism, though the molecular underpinnings are unclear.

Genes exert their strongest influence on the brain in the first half of gestation — a key window for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

The gene, FOXP1, influences an animal’s motivation to listen to social communication, a new study suggests.

An anonymous tipster has been sifting through the papers of Jia Liu and his team.

In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers upend early interventions and diagnostic boundaries.

By imaging and recording synaptic activity in living mouse embryos for the first time, new research reveals previously unknown patterns of development and hints at how those patterns are disrupted in autism.

The mutation prevents certain amino acids from entering neurons, causing the cells to die early in development.

The work identifies new varieties and may help researchers develop tools to genetically target specific classes of cells.

The changes may help explain the link between maternal infection and autism, though more research is needed.