Simplex families
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
Whole-genome trove ties new genes, variants to autism
A massive update to the MSSNG dataset gives qualified researchers ready access to explore autism’s genetic architecture on a cloud-based platform.
![An illustration of doctors examining a larger-than-life DNA strand](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844_MSSNG_121122.jpg)
Whole-genome trove ties new genes, variants to autism
A massive update to the MSSNG dataset gives qualified researchers ready access to explore autism’s genetic architecture on a cloud-based platform.
X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
![Illustration of an X chromosome against a black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-maternal-x-chromome-inherited-coding-variants-autism.png)
X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
Autism-linked genetic variants increase, decrease intelligence
Common and rare variants in or near autism-associated genes can have opposite effects on cognition.
Autism-linked genetic variants increase, decrease intelligence
Common and rare variants in or near autism-associated genes can have opposite effects on cognition.
Analysis ups estimate of spontaneous mutations’ role in autism
Spontaneous genetic mutations contribute to autism in 30 to 39 percent of all people with the condition, and 52 to 67 percent of autistic children whose siblings do not also have the condition.
![Abstraction of human genome data with some sections circled.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210924-DeNovo844.jpg)
Analysis ups estimate of spontaneous mutations’ role in autism
Spontaneous genetic mutations contribute to autism in 30 to 39 percent of all people with the condition, and 52 to 67 percent of autistic children whose siblings do not also have the condition.
Ultra-rare variants point to new autism candidate genes
A large, whole-genome sequencing study of families yields insights into ultra-rare genetic variants that contribute to autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/RarevarFig1C-844.jpg)
Ultra-rare variants point to new autism candidate genes
A large, whole-genome sequencing study of families yields insights into ultra-rare genetic variants that contribute to autism.
Analysis links 98 genes to neurodevelopmental conditions
Genetic sequences from nearly 53,000 people with autism, developmental delay or intellectual disability reveal strong ties to 98 genes.
![Paper DNA with one torn base to signify a point mutation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201106-DeNovoRiskGenes-844.jpg)
Analysis links 98 genes to neurodevelopmental conditions
Genetic sequences from nearly 53,000 people with autism, developmental delay or intellectual disability reveal strong ties to 98 genes.
Decade of data dents idea of a ‘female protective effect’
Brothers and sisters of people with autism are both about two to three times more likely than the general population to have an autistic child themselves.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200608-lineage-heritability-844.jpg)
Decade of data dents idea of a ‘female protective effect’
Brothers and sisters of people with autism are both about two to three times more likely than the general population to have an autistic child themselves.
Fever eases behavioral problems in some children with autism
About 17 percent of children with autism are calmer and more communicative than usual when they have a fever.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170918-Fever844.jpg)
Fever eases behavioral problems in some children with autism
About 17 percent of children with autism are calmer and more communicative than usual when they have a fever.
Sizeable fraction of autism risk traced to ‘mosaic’ mutations
Mutations that appear in only some of the body’s cells contribute to autism in about 4 percent of people with the condition.
![Illustration of DNA in cross stitch pattern](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170921-ExoniaMosaix844-2.jpg)
Sizeable fraction of autism risk traced to ‘mosaic’ mutations
Mutations that appear in only some of the body’s cells contribute to autism in about 4 percent of people with the condition.
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
![Image of a crumpled dollar bill whose edges suggest a line graph trending downward.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Funding-1200-1024x692.webp)
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
![Illustration of a fly with its life cycle represented on its left and a technological background on its right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lede-Scott-1200-1024x692.webp)
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.