Dysmorphology

Recent articles

Genetic sequencing on computer screen in lab setting.

Online library details traits linked to genetic conditions

An expanding collection of websites compiles up-to-date information on the characteristics of people with mutations in genes linked to autism and other conditions.

By Chloe Williams
31 March 2021 | 3 min read
3D image of a child's face with coordinates to measure distances between features.

Siblings of autistic children may have distinct facial features

Siblings of autistic children, like those with the condition, tend to have faces that are more masculine than average.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
27 January 2020 | 4 min read

Mutations in emerging autism gene tied to distinct traits

People who have mutations in a gene called PHF21A tend to have a constellation of traits and conditions, including autism.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
27 November 2019 | 3 min read
white mouse

Double immune hit challenges female mice’s resistance to autism

Female mice can withstand a maternal antibody that triggers brain abnormalities and autism-like behaviors in males. But additional immune challenges spell trouble.

By Bahar Gholipour
23 October 2019 | 3 min read

Cannabis candidate; omega add-on; oxytocin control and more

A cannabis gel may ease features of fragile X syndrome, omega fatty acids show promise for autism in two trials, and oxytocin reinforces social behaviors through the brain’s reward pathway.

By Emily Willingham
6 October 2017 | 5 min read

Boyish looks; popular pseudoscience; older fathers and more

Masculinized features help define children with autism, online autism-parent forums spread pseudoscience, and the United States has more older fathers than ever.

By Emily Willingham
1 September 2017 | 5 min read

Off-key outcomes; visualizing variants; urine indifference and more

Music therapy proves ineffective for autism, brain structures differ with 16p11.2 duplications and deletions, and mice missing NLGN3 may influence the sociability of their littermates.

By Emily Willingham
11 August 2017 | 5 min read

Rare mutation linked to autism affects language ability

Mutations in a gene called TRIP12 — which is involved in tagging proteins for destruction — can lead to intellectual disability, language delay and autism.

By Jessica Wright
24 April 2017 | 4 min read

Precocious baby teeth signal rare form of autism

Most children with a rare autism-linked mutation develop baby teeth one to two years earlier than usual.

By Jessica Wright
20 April 2017 | 5 min read

Network television; facing forward; warm welcome

Researchers captured networks of neurons lighting up in a small aquatic animal, facial recognition software can flag genetic conditions, and a Muppet with autism makes her debut on “Sesame Street.”

By Catherine Caruso
14 April 2017 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of a shrew, sandpiper, locust, axolotl, monarch butterfly, African killifish, naked mole rat, octopus, bat and cichlid.

The non-model organism “renaissance” has arrived

Meet 10 neuroscientists bringing model diversity back with the funky animals they study.

Assembloids illuminate circuit-level changes linked to autism, neurodevelopment

These complex combinations of organoids afford a closer look at how gene alterations affect certain brain networks.

By Sarah DeWeerdt
19 December 2024 | 0 min watch
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Rajesh Rao reflects on predictive brains, neural interfaces and the future of human intelligence

Twenty-five years ago, Rajesh Rao proposed a seminal theory of how brains could implement predictive coding for perception. His modern version zeroes in on actions.

By Paul Middlebrooks
18 December 2024 | 97 min listen