Gene

Recent articles

Research image of zebrafish brain activity.

Nearly 400 compounds affect behaviors tied to autism-linked genes in zebrafish

Estropipate, paclitaxel and levocarnitine altered behaviors tied to SCN2A and DYRK1A variants specifically, a new open-source platform revealed.

By Charles Q. Choi
16 April 2026 | 4 min read
DNA strand.

Exon-skipping approach boosts levels of key Rett syndrome protein

Deleting a small region of the MECP2 gene partially restored function in neurons derived from people with Rett-associated variants.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
20 March 2026 | 5 min read
Research image showing gene association.

Organoid study reveals shared brain pathways across autism-linked variants

The genetic variants initially affect brain development in unique ways, but over time they converge on common molecular pathways.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
19 February 2026 | 4 min read
Crowd seen from above.

Common and rare variants shape distinct genetic architecture of autism in African Americans

Certain gene variants may have greater weight in determining autism likelihood for some populations, a new study shows.

By Laura Dattaro
15 January 2026 | 5 min read
A woman plays with a child on the floor.

Four autism subtypes map onto distinct genes, traits

An analysis of more than 5,000 autistic children and their siblings underscores the idea that autism can be understood as multiple conditions with distinct trajectories.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
17 July 2025 | 5 min read
Research image of frog cells.

Many autism-linked proteins influence hair-like cilia on human brain cells

The finding may help explain autism’s association with multiple co-occurring conditions that involve cilia defects.

By Charles Q. Choi
9 January 2025 | 4 min read
Human X and Y chromosomes.

Extra Y chromosomes are linked to autism

Data from people with more or fewer than two sex chromosomes could help answer questions around genetic protection and vulnerability.

By Grace Huckins
5 December 2024 | 5 min read
Research image of mouse brain slices.

Newfound gene network controls long-range connections between emotional, cognitive brain areas

The finding could help unravel gene regulatory networks and explain how genetic and environmental factors interact in neurodevelopmental conditions.

By Charles Q. Choi
14 November 2024 | 4 min read
A younger looking set of hands holds an older looking set of hands.

New catalog charts familial ties from autism to 90 other conditions

The research tool reveals associations stretching across three generations.

By Charles Q. Choi
17 October 2024 | 4 min read
Stock photograph of a women and her young child at a clinician’s office.

A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman

A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.

By Lauren Schenkman
15 August 2024 | 7 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of human endothelial cells grown in vitro.

Autism experts venture to set the narrative for INSAR, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 April.

By Jill Adams
21 April 2026 | 2 min read
Collage illustration with a portrait of Mia Thomaidou.

Frameshift: How Mia Thomaidou tapped a fellowship to connect neuroscience to criminal justice

As a fellow at the Dana Foundation, she merged two familiar passions and discovered a new one: science philanthropy.

By Katie Moisse
21 April 2026 | 6 min read
Researcher hands and mice navigate a series of connected spaces and paths.

To understand decision-making, we need to truly challenge lab animals

Complex, multidimensional tasks that unfold over time could reveal how different brain areas work together to support decisions.

By Chand Chandrasekaran
20 April 2026 | 6 min read