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Recent articles

Boy staring at fidget spinner

Risk genes for autism overlap with those for attention deficit

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may carry certain rare, harmful mutations in many of the same genes as people with autism.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
25 November 2019 | 4 min read
Modifier genes may enhance or diminish the effects of a mutation linked to autism.

Second ‘hits’ may explain autism mutations’ varied effects

People who have a mutation linked to autism plus a second genetic glitch tend to have more severe symptoms than those with the mutation alone.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
5 October 2018 | 3 min read

Yeast assay illuminates effects of mutations in top autism gene

Mutations in the gene PTEN that are tied to autism may be less harmful than those linked to a syndrome characterized by benign tumors.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
1 June 2018 | 3 min read
Medical practitioner marking blood sample.

Mosaic mutations in sperm point to increased autism risk

More than 5 percent of mutations thought to have arisen spontaneously in a child with autism may in fact be inherited.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
23 October 2017 | 4 min read
Mother and daughter practicing writing.

Rare autism mutations linked to low intelligence

People with autism who have rare, damaging mutations tend to have low scores on intelligence tests.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
20 October 2017 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of myelinated axons.

Oligodendrocytes need mechanical cues to myelinate axons correctly

Without the mechanosensor TMEM63A, the cells cannot deposit the appropriate amount of insulation, according to a new study.

By Calli McMurray
11 February 2026 | 5 min read

Modern AI is simply no match for the complexity likely required for harboring consciousness, says Jaan Aru

He argues that our brain’s computations are of a completely different nature than any artificial intelligence because they take place across many spatial and temporal scales and are inextricably entwined with biological materials.

By Paul Middlebrooks
11 February 2026 | 1 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

Interneurons’ role in epilepsy, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 9 February.

By Jill Adams
10 February 2026 | 1 min read

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