ASHG 2018
Recent articles
Some autism mutations go undetected, new study suggests
Some mutations that contribute to autism and arise spontaneously may be mistaken for inherited mutations.
![Microscopic view of spermatozoa](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/DeNovo844.jpg)
Some autism mutations go undetected, new study suggests
Some mutations that contribute to autism and arise spontaneously may be mistaken for inherited mutations.
Massive sequencing project identifies new genetic syndromes
The largest-ever set of sequences from people with developmental delay has revealed 43 new genetic diagnoses.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181017-Exome844.jpg)
Massive sequencing project identifies new genetic syndromes
The largest-ever set of sequences from people with developmental delay has revealed 43 new genetic diagnoses.
Mini-brains may pin down key genes in large mutations
Clusters of brain cells — so-called 'mini-brains' grown in the lab — may help researchers understand how large stretches of duplicated or deleted DNA affect the brain.
![Brain cells under magnification glow red, purple and blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181021ASHGOrganoid844.jpg)
Mini-brains may pin down key genes in large mutations
Clusters of brain cells — so-called 'mini-brains' grown in the lab — may help researchers understand how large stretches of duplicated or deleted DNA affect the brain.
Mutation types tied to autism converge on shared set of genes
Genes linked to autism in sequencing studies tend be located in long stretches of DNA that are duplicated or missing in some people with developmental conditions.
![A digital drawing shows two groups of people forming large arrows, see from above.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CopyVariants844.jpg)
Mutation types tied to autism converge on shared set of genes
Genes linked to autism in sequencing studies tend be located in long stretches of DNA that are duplicated or missing in some people with developmental conditions.
Some ‘autism genes’ show stronger ties to related conditions
The largest autism sequencing study to date implicates 99 genes in the condition — but nearly half have a tighter link to intellectual disability or developmental delay.
![A boy toddler learns to walk with an adult holding his hands.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181017-Exomtoddler844.jpg)
Some ‘autism genes’ show stronger ties to related conditions
The largest autism sequencing study to date implicates 99 genes in the condition — but nearly half have a tighter link to intellectual disability or developmental delay.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.