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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: rare variants

June 2020

Study links gene to inherited form of autism

by  /  25 June 2020

Mutations in both copies of a gene called ACTL6B lead to autism, epilepsy and intellectual disability.

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A genome data set shows colorful clusters by ancestry

Massive genomic database helps decode mutations’ effects

by  /  24 June 2020

A trove of DNA sequences from 141,456 people — and counting — offers an unparalleled look at genetic variation.

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May 2020

Rare mutations in autism genes tied to intellectual disability

by  /  22 May 2020

A new study highlights the challenge of distinguishing genetic variants linked to autism from those associated with cognitive development.

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March 2020
Portrait of Elise Robinson in her sunroom surrounded by plants

Elise Robinson: Untangling the roots of cause and effect

by  /  19 March 2020

Even as a small child, geneticist Elise Robinson wondered why people think the way they do. Today, that question informs much of her autism research.

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February 2020
Toddler is balancing with help from mom

Little-known gene tied to autism, developmental delay

by  /  28 February 2020

Rare mutations in a gene called BAZ2B are associated with various conditions of brain development, including autism.

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January 2020
People from Asia have high genetic diversity due to historical mixing with many ethnic groups, represented here by different colors. Each horizontal strip includes one more geographical region than the strip above it.

Catalog of Asia’s genetic diversity may aid search for autism variants

by  /  10 January 2020

A new resource details the genetic diversity of people in Asia and may shed light on genetic conditions such as autism.

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Autism’s genetic drivers may differ by sex

by  /  9 January 2020

Autism may stem from a different — and larger — set of genetic mutations in women than it does in men.

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Young man in textured space, environmental factors and genes swarm in and around him

Autism heritability: It probably does not mean what you think it means

by  /  7 January 2020

The question of autism’s heritability is compelling for researchers and laypeople alike, but many people in both groups misunderstand its definition.

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Brain MRIs showing injured blood vessels

Study ties gene active in developing brain to autism

by  /  6 January 2020

Mutations in a gene called ZNF292 lead to a variety of developmental conditions, including autism and intellectual disability.

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December 2019
Illustration shows boy with bag of oranges, in landscape of food with DNA trailing around him

Diets may help autistic children with certain genetic profiles

by ,  /  17 December 2019

No diet is likely to treat autistic people on a large scale, but diets based on a genetic profile may bring big benefits to a few.

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