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Understanding fragile X syndrome
Just in time for Fragile X Awareness Month, The Transmitter rounds up notable coverage.
![A research image of X chromosomes with Fragile X syndrome](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_FragileX-1024x683.webp)
Understanding fragile X syndrome
Just in time for Fragile X Awareness Month, The Transmitter rounds up notable coverage.
Faked results lead to retraction of high-profile cancer neuroscience study
An investigation found that the experiments required more animals than the scientists had purchased.
![Image of a series of red sticky notes protruding from a stack of white paper.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1200-cancer-nerve-retraction-transmitter-neuroscience-copy-1024x683.webp)
Faked results lead to retraction of high-profile cancer neuroscience study
An investigation found that the experiments required more animals than the scientists had purchased.
Going deep: The Transmitter’s top long-form stories in 2023
Our favorite features and book excerpts from the past year delved into the neurobiology of cancer; problems with survey data; free will; mathematical minds; and questions around one startup’s quest to treat brain conditions with cell therapies.
![Photograph of a gloved hand pointing to a computer screen that is displaying an image of a mouse brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-neurona-lede.webp)
Going deep: The Transmitter’s top long-form stories in 2023
Our favorite features and book excerpts from the past year delved into the neurobiology of cancer; problems with survey data; free will; mathematical minds; and questions around one startup’s quest to treat brain conditions with cell therapies.
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
![Close-up of a green glass slide embedded with dozens of tiny electrodes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/making-cancer-nervous-lede-1024x683.webp)
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
![Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-mitochondria-autism.jpg)
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
The cloudy connection between fragile X and cancer
People with the autism-linked syndrome lack a protein implicated in several cancers, but it’s unclear whether — or how — they are protected from malignancies.
![Illustration of a binocular microscope with an X Chromosome in one eyepiece and cancer cells in the other.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/fragile-x-cancer-link-autism-844.jpg)
The cloudy connection between fragile X and cancer
People with the autism-linked syndrome lack a protein implicated in several cancers, but it’s unclear whether — or how — they are protected from malignancies.
Two groups of neurons govern autism-like traits in model mice
Together, the neurons are part of the corticostriatal circuit, which has been implicated in autism.
![Micrographs comparing mouse striatal neurons missing TSHZ3 and wildtype striatal neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_TargetedTSHZ3.jpg)
Two groups of neurons govern autism-like traits in model mice
Together, the neurons are part of the corticostriatal circuit, which has been implicated in autism.
Proteome map identifies more than 90 percent of all human proteins
Researchers expand on the already enormous progress made on the Human Proteome Project
![Global map of 17,800 human proteins.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20201209-HumanProteome-844.jpg)
Proteome map identifies more than 90 percent of all human proteins
Researchers expand on the already enormous progress made on the Human Proteome Project
Scores forecast effects of mutations in autism gene
A new analysis links individual mutations in a gene called PTEN to a person's odds of having autism, cancer or other conditions.
![DNA helix with mutation or deletion](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/200706_844x570-featured-image.png)
Scores forecast effects of mutations in autism gene
A new analysis links individual mutations in a gene called PTEN to a person's odds of having autism, cancer or other conditions.
Large mutations may explain diverse outcomes from autism gene
Deletions and duplications of long stretches of DNA may increase the likelihood of autism in people who have a mutation in a gene called PTEN.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200224-bloodtest844.jpg)
Large mutations may explain diverse outcomes from autism gene
Deletions and duplications of long stretches of DNA may increase the likelihood of autism in people who have a mutation in a gene called PTEN.
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.