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

By clicking to watch this video, you agree to our privacy policy.
Brain Inspired Microphone

Are computational complexity principles relevant for explaining brain activity?

Cristopher Moore discusses the nature of computation and whether we should think of neural activity as computing.

By Paul Middlebrooks
17 June 2026 | 1 min read
Illustration of cells converting from fibroblasts to myoblasts.
This paper changed my life

This paper changed my life: Learning the molecular rules of cell identity

A 1987 Cell paper showed that a single transcription factor could turn fibroblasts into muscle cells. The work inspired Ardem Patapoutian to think about the molecular codes that define neuronal subtypes.

By Ardem Patapoutian
17 June 2026 | 6 min read
Spectrum

Leucovorin saga, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 15 June.

By Jill Adams
16 June 2026 | 2 min read