ASHG 2020
Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
![Group of DNA helixes are seen on black](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20200211-Exome844.jpg)
Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ASHGReax-844.jpg)
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
First analysis of African autism cohort reveals millions of new variants
Genome sequences from a research cohort of autistic African children and their families have revealed more than 4 million novel variants, some of which occur in genes not previously linked to the condition.
![Black mother pushing her child on swing at playground.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201029-ASHG-AfricanCohort-844.jpg)
First analysis of African autism cohort reveals millions of new variants
Genome sequences from a research cohort of autistic African children and their families have revealed more than 4 million novel variants, some of which occur in genes not previously linked to the condition.
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
![Mature dad and his daughter plays with blocks](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200928Parental844.jpg)
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
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New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.