ASHG 2019

Recent articles

RNA, transcription

Antidote to ‘poison’ DNA may treat lethal form of epilepsy

An experimental drug silences a DNA segment and seems to prevent seizures and death in a condition related to autism.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
26 August 2020 | 3 min read

Brain ‘organoids’ point to new drug target for fragile X syndrome

New findings hint at why drugs that work in mouse models of fragile X syndrome have not been effective in people.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
18 October 2019 | 3 min read
Illustration of a DNA strand.

Massive project doubles list of genes tied to autism

The largest analysis of sequences from autistic people and their families implicates 184 genes in the condition — nearly doubling the previous estimate.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
17 October 2019 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Diego Bohorquez portrait on blue background.

The big idea with Diego Bohórquez

His theories around the neuropod have challenged the boundaries of classic ideas regarding gut-brain communication.

By Sydney Wyatt
20 June 2025 | 14 min listen
Two paper arrows intersect to form a double helix.

Genetic background steers PTEN syndrome traits

People with the syndrome, caused by variants in the gene PTEN, often have autism or cancer, or both, but it depends on the genetic diversity encoded in the components of distinct cell signaling pathways, according to a new study.

By Holly Barker
19 June 2025 | 5 min listen
Photograph of a moth.

Star-responsive neurons steer moths’ long-distance migration

Cells in the bogong moth brain respond to astral landmarks to orient the insects in the direction they need to go.

By Angie Voyles Askham
18 June 2025 | 5 min listen