SYNGAP1 2020

Recent articles

SYNGAP1 protein between neurons.

Reactions from the 2020 SYNGAP1 Scientific Conference

Spectrum is covering the 2020 International SYNGAP1 Scientific Conference, which took place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here we’re highlighting researchers’ reactions to noteworthy presentations.

By Peter Hess
25 November 2020 | 6 min read
Young zebrafish have transparent skin, which allows researchers to track the movements of glowing beads of excrement through their gut.

Zebrafish and ‘Smurf cakes’ link autism gene mutation to digestive woes

Mutations in a top autism gene called SYNGAP1 slow the rate at which zebrafish digest food and pass waste, and may also disrupt gut function in people.

By Peter Hess
24 November 2020 | 5 min read

Mice reveal roots of sensory issues tied to top autism gene

Mice with mutations in the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 have trouble sensing touch, which may stem in part from brain-circuit alterations and dulled alertness.

By Peter Hess
23 November 2020 | 0 min watch

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of mitochondrial activity in the mouse amygdala and hippocampus.

The fast-expanding repertoire of mitochondria in the brain

More than cellular powerhouses, these organelles also seem to help synapses communicate, support memory formation and even shape behavior.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
3 July 2026 | 7 min read
Two fingers turning a small dial.

When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 5: The war dial

“You have to reshape the whole system.” Tempest McDonald earns a measure of peace.

By Brady Huggett
2 July 2026 | 42 min listen
Red note stuck in a stack of paper.

Scientists decry conference’s use of hidden prompts to snare AI peer reviews

The invisible messages, which instruct large language models to use telltale phrases in a peer-review report, are effective in catching artificial-intelligence misuse but also erode trust, some say.

By Dalmeet Singh Chawla
1 July 2026 | 4 min read