ASHG 2020
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Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
![Group of DNA helixes are seen on black](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20200211-Exome844.jpg)
Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ASHGReax-844.jpg)
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
First analysis of African autism cohort reveals millions of new variants
Genome sequences from a research cohort of autistic African children and their families have revealed more than 4 million novel variants, some of which occur in genes not previously linked to the condition.
![Black mother pushing her child on swing at playground.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201029-ASHG-AfricanCohort-844.jpg)
First analysis of African autism cohort reveals millions of new variants
Genome sequences from a research cohort of autistic African children and their families have revealed more than 4 million novel variants, some of which occur in genes not previously linked to the condition.
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
![Mature dad and his daughter plays with blocks](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200928Parental844.jpg)
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
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.