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Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Scientists use genetically informed brain atlases to identify hundreds of genomic loci

An international team of scientists has used atlases of the human brain informed by genetics to identify hundreds of genomic loci. Loci is plural for locus, and in genetics indicates the physical location of a gene or variant on a chromosome.

From UC San Diego 8 Feb 2022

Different autism risk genes have similar effects on brain development, study finds

Autism spectrum disorder has been associated with hundreds of different genes, but how these distinct genetic mutations converge on a similar pathology in patients has remained a mystery.

3 Feb 2022

Researchers provide first evidence of the gene-environment interaction in the social dysfunctions typical of autistic disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a wide range of behavioral issues.

2 Feb 2022

Experts unravel a new form of communication between brain cells

Scientists discovered hundreds of proteins that are constantly transferred throughout the healthy brain in small membrane-enclosed sacs.

31 Jan 2022

Cloud-based platform enables easy access to global genomics databases

The capacity to examine large numbers of genomes is expensive and time-consuming, thus using genomics to uncover risk factors for major diseases is difficult.

13 Jan 2022

Researchers fine-tune an additional system for more efficient gene editing

Over the past decade, the CRISPR genome-editing system has revolutionized molecular biology, giving scientists the ability to alter genes inside living cells for research or medical applications. Now, researchers at Gladstone Institutes have fine-tuned an additional system for more efficient gene editing, using molecules called retrons.

6 Jan 2022

Monitoring strains of bacteria may provide better insights into the microbiome

Every day, the billions of bacteria that inhabit your digestive system change; the food you eat, medications you take, and germs you're exposed to make some bacteria flourish more than others.

24 Dec 2021

Revealing a Cell's Components through Artificial Intelligence

We speak to Professor Trey Ideker and Yue Qin about their latest in cell biology and how artificial intelligence could be used to discover new components within cells.

From UC San Diego 23 Dec 2021

Novel tool provides an unprecedented view of brain cell activity

To decipher the mysteries behind memory and learning, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a system to trace millions of connections amongst brain cells in mice.

22 Dec 2021

Study employs gene reactivation to treat Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome, or FXS—a principal genetic cause of autism—impacts around one in 6,000 females and one in 4,000 males.

17 Dec 2021

Adults with rare genetic changes have poorer health, says study

According to a study, grown-ups with certain genetic causes of mental health and other brain disorders had substantially increased rates of chronic disease.

17 Dec 2021

De Novo Mutations may Play a Role in Male Infertility

In this interview, we speak to Dr. Miguel J. Xavier about his latest research into male infertility and how de novo mutations may play a part.

From Newcastle University 19 Nov 2021

Microbiome differences in autism reflect dietary preferences, says study

Earlier studies suggest that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be partly due to differences in the gut microbiota composition.

15 Nov 2021

Novel algorithm pinpoints genes associated with related genetic diseases

Scientists recently discovered almost two dozen genes that contribute to heart defects while analyzing genetic data from individuals.

8 Nov 2021

Genetic liability to mental health conditions may affect a person's choice of residence

Living in cities has been highlighted as an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and, to a lesser extent, other mental health conditions. However, few studies have explored genetic effects on the choice of residence.

28 Oct 2021

New insight into how neurons and astrocytes work together to form healthy synapses

Brain cells called astrocytes play a key role in helping neurons develop and function properly, but there's still a lot scientists don't understand about how astrocytes perform these important jobs.

26 Oct 2021

Study analyzes walking movements to detect nervous system disorders

Scientists from Rutgers University linked the genetic disorders Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome to walking patterns.

From Rutgers University 26 Oct 2021

Study finds greater facial asymmetry in parents of autistic individuals

Recent research in Western Australia employs high-tech 3D facial scans to provide better knowledge of the genetic causes of autism.

21 Sep 2021

UMSOM study suggests a genetic basis behind instantaneous human compatibility

Have you ever met someone you instantly liked, or at other times, someone who you knew immediately that you did not want to be friends with, although you did not know why?

2 Sep 2021

New research identifies a master timekeeper for the brain's circadian clock

A gene called Npas4, already known to play a key role in balancing excitatory and inhibitory inputs in brain cells, appears to also be a master timekeeper for the brain's circadian clock, new research led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests.

20 Aug 2021