Common variants

Recent articles

Research image of gene expression.

Sequencing study spotlights tight web of genes tied to autism

The findings, shared in a preprint, help to illuminate how a large and heterogeneous group of genes could be involved in autism.

By Katie Moisse
13 March 2025 | 5 min read
Research image highlighting different brain regions.

X marks the spot in search for autism variants

Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.

By Holly Barker
16 January 2025 | 6 min read
Research illustration groups genes by their effects on brain cell types.

Giant analysis reveals how autism-linked genes affect brain cell types

Genes that predispose people to autism account for a large portion of the neuronal and glial cell changes seen in those with the condition.

By Charles Q. Choi
20 June 2024 | 5 min read

Common genetic variants shape the structure of the cortex

A genome-wide association study lays a foundation for deeper investigation of these variants in neurodevelopmental conditions.

By Lauren Schenkman
18 September 2023 | 6 min listen
Research image of organoids in the forebrain.

Head size parts autism into two major subtypes

An imbalance in the number of excitatory neurons in early brain development may account for the difference.

By Charles Q. Choi
12 September 2023 | 4 min read
Blurry photograph of a crowd of people on a street.

Some who lack autism diagnosis carry variants tied to the condition

The variants are associated with slight differences in measures of intelligence, income and employment, but the relationship may not be causal.

By Charles Q. Choi
13 July 2023 | 4 min read
Composite research image of organoids at several stages of development.

Genetic background sways effects of autism-linked mutation

Experiments offer clues to why certain mutations are associated with autism in some people and not others.

By Charles Q. Choi
18 May 2023 | 4 min read
X chromosome against a dark background.

Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects

Within the 16p region of the genome, the two types of variants similarly decrease neuronal gene expression — an effect that may reflect their spatial relationship.

By Nora Bradford
1 December 2022 | 4 min read
Photograph of a parent crossing a city street with two children

A mix of common and rare variants shapes autism inheritance patterns

The study also reveals a link between language development and common variants.

By Katharine Gammon
4 November 2022 | 3 min read
Conceptual illustration of two DNA helixes with several overlapping portions showing common and differing genes.

Genome scan spots common variant differences between autism and ADHD

Common variants in five regions of the genome may determine whether someone has one condition versus the other.

By Charles Q. Choi
12 October 2022 | 5 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of resting-state functional activity in a human brain.

Developmental delay patterns differ with diagnosis; and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 14 April.

By Jill Adams
15 April 2025 | 2 min read
Illustration of a treeline in front of a human brain.

‘Natural Neuroscience: Toward a Systems Neuroscience of Natural Behaviors,’ an excerpt

In his new book, published today, Nachum Ulanovsky calls on the field to embrace naturalistic conditions and move away from overcontrolled experiments.

By Nachum Ulanovsky
15 April 2025 | 9 min read
Close-up of high-resolution fMRI images.

Functional MRI can do more than you think

Recent technological advances provide a range of new and different information about brain physiology. But taking full advantage of these gains depends on collaboration between engineers and neuroscientists.

By Laura Lewis
14 April 2025 | 6 min read