Brian O’Roak

Associate professor of molecular and medical genetics
Oregon Health and Science University

Brian O’Roak uses genomic approaches to unlock the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disability.

From this contributor

Figures along the top of a cliff, reaching for the papers falling from the sky and circulating in the air currents.
Spectrum

How I learned to stop worrying and love preprints

By Brian O’Roak
22 May 2018 | 7 min read
Spectrum Microphone

Burning debate: What’s the best way to nab real autism genes?

By Brian O’Roak
27 June 2017 | 9 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

California sea hare.
Memory

New study questions role of persistent gene activity in memory maintenance

An experiment in sea slugs suggests transcriptional changes might fade after 24 hours.

By Siddhant Pusdekar
28 April 2026 | 4 min read
Spectrum

Tracking health in autistic adults, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 April.

By Jill Adams
28 April 2026 | 2 min read
Illustration of two planet-like spheres orbiting one another.
Machine learning

Can AI do neuroscience without understanding?

Prediction without understanding sustained astronomy through a thousand years of epicycles. Artificial intelligence is now offering neuroscience the same deal.

By Anthony Zador
27 April 2026 | 6 min read