Genetics
Recent articles
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
![Stylized illustration combines flat color and 3D forms make up a mitochondria with human heads inside it.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/LeadMito844.jpg)
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
The blurred line between autism and intellectual disability
Doctors often conflate autism and intellectual disability, and no wonder: The biological distinction between them is murky. Scientific progress depends on knowing where the conditions intersect — and part ways.
![Illustration shows a boy with converging patterns overlapping; these lines signify autism and intellectual disability.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IDLead844.jpg)
The blurred line between autism and intellectual disability
Doctors often conflate autism and intellectual disability, and no wonder: The biological distinction between them is murky. Scientific progress depends on knowing where the conditions intersect — and part ways.
Spotted around the web: Gut microbiome, oxytocin treatment, hippocampus development
Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 27 January.
Spotted around the web: Gut microbiome, oxytocin treatment, hippocampus development
Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 27 January.
Notable papers in autism research in 2019
This year’s top papers deepen our understanding of autism’s genetics and reveal mixed results from trials of autism therapies.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/10.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research in 2019
This year’s top papers deepen our understanding of autism’s genetics and reveal mixed results from trials of autism therapies.
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.