Victoria Stern is a freelance science writer based in New York, New York.
Victoria Stern
Freelance Writer
SFARI
From this contributor
New tests for fragile X promise routine screening
A new wave of genetic tests for fragile X syndrome, the leading cause of inherited mental retardation and the most common genetic cause of autism, may make it possible to routinely screen pregnant women and newborns for the syndrome.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/415938.jpg)
New tests for fragile X promise routine screening
Jokes crack open brain connectivity in autism
Telling jokes allows children to connect with others, refine their language skills and develop keen imaginations. Because these are precisely the skills lacking in people with autism, studying humor in children with the disorder may give insights into their abnormal brain circuitry and even lead to therapies, according to a review published in the Journal of Child Neurology.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/412893.jpg)
Jokes crack open brain connectivity in autism
Studies tie fragile X syndrome to famous cancer pathway
A drug that interferes with a biochemical pathway important in cancer can reverse some brain defects in mouse models of fragile X syndrome, according to a study published 11 August in the Journal of Neuroscience.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/411767.jpg)
Studies tie fragile X syndrome to famous cancer pathway
Groups aim to recruit more racial minorities for genetic studies
Racial minorities are under-represented in genetic studies, in part because research guidelines do not account for differences in family structure, according to a report based on statistics from several autism gene banks. In response to the report, research teams at Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles, are revamping their recruitment practices.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/392490.jpg)
Groups aim to recruit more racial minorities for genetic studies
Study finds weak genetic link between autism and intelligence
Autism and intellectual disability often occur together, but in most cases that overlap is not genetic, according to a study of twin pairs published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. Unraveling this link might help researchers pinpoint brain circuits involved in both conditions, and better understand the diversity of symptoms in the autism spectrum, experts say.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/389499.jpg)
Study finds weak genetic link between autism and intelligence
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.