Using supercomputers to compare portions of the human genome with those of other mammals, researchers at Cornell have discovered some 300 previously unidentified human genes, and found extensions of several hundred genes already known. The discovery is based on the idea that as organisms evolve, sections of genetic code that do something useful for the organism change in different ways. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a disorder of excess-excess synaptic connectivity, protein synthesis, memory extinction, body growth, excitability-and remarkably, affects 100,000 Americans and is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and autism. The MIT researchers corrected FXS in mice. picked by 2manyusernames 12 months ago

Scientists say they have pinpointed a gene in the brain that can calm nerve cells that become too jumpy, potentially paving the way for new therapies to treat autism and other neurological disorders. picked by bernardblack 2 months ago

The Interactive Austism Network is an excellent new website designed to connect families impacted by autism spectrum disorders with researchers studying the condition to hopefully aid in new discoveries and treatments. picked by VooDooPeacock 2 years ago

Many have tried. All have failed. But with a new computer game, you can make peace in the Middle East. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

he most arbitrary and distorted borders in the world are in Africa and the Middle East. Drawn by self-interested Europeans. The unjust borders in the Middle East — to borrow from Churchill — generate more trouble than can be consumed locally.

What if new borders were drawn in the Middle East, ones that cut along cultural/religious boundaries? picked by 2manyusernames 2 years ago

Or, how the change in diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder has effected public education. Though much of the info is CA or Bay Area based, I would imagine the same effects can be seen country-wide.

(As a weird aside, the article's author is one Nanette Asimov.) picked by psycmoe 5 months ago

Children who live in the U.S. Northwest's wettest counties are more likely to have autism, but it is unclear why, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. picked by AutumnLotus 1 month ago

Walter Marino and his 12-year-old autistic son were swept to sea by a rip current and left floating for 12 hours - 8 of those hours spent separated after currents drove them apart.

"With many kids with autism, the thing that is so dangerous is that they have no concept of fear or fear of death," Marino said. "In this case, though, it perhaps saved him..." picked by Wingnut 3 months ago

While it is well understood that the evolution of new genes leads to adaptations that help species survive, gene loss may also afford a selective advantage. A group of scientists has investigated this less-studied idea, carrying out the first systematic computational analysis to identify long-established genes that have been lost across millions of years of evolution leading to the human species. picked by AutumnLotus 12 months ago

Australian scientists have identified a potential new way of combating the global scourge of malaria, by pinpointing eight genes that help the disease-causing parasite remodel our red blood cells. picked by AutumnLotus 5 months ago

There is no cure for autism, but the earlier a child gets help, the better quality of life they will have as adults. A new study's findings may help detect autism in babies only a few weeks old. picked by VooDooPeacock 2 years ago

It may not be lasers and explosions like Transformers or Terminator, but Robots are doing battle against autism using bubbles! picked by icepigs 4 months ago

According to the latest figures just released by the California Department of Developmental Services, in 2002 California experienced an astounding 31% one year increase in the number of new children professionally diagnosed with the most severe cases of autism entering it's developmental services system.

another link: picked by forgottenshorelines 12 months ago

Scientists in China have identified about 400 genes that appear to make some people more easily addicted to drugs picked by DemureArt 11 months ago

I remember reading studies of how instances of Autism have increased over the years. picked by cheeselog1234 12 months ago

Can we tweak certain genes to stave off the aging process—or, conversely, to speed it up? New research indicates that it may one day be possible. picked by bernardblack 4 months ago

The first of nine cases filed by parents who claim a mercury-based preservative in vaccines caused their child's autism will soon go to court. There has been no link proven between vaccines and autism, but if the court decides in their favor, affected children could benefit from a trust fund. picked by VooDooPeacock 1 year ago

Scientists at the University of Washington and other institutions have identified 25 genes regulating lifespan in two organisms separated by about 1.5 billion years in evolutionary change. At least 15 of those genes have very similar versions in humans, suggesting that scientists may be able to target those genes to help slow down the aging process and treat age-related conditions. picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

Carly Fleischman has severe autism and is unable to speak a word. But thanks to years of expensive and intensive therapy, this 13-year-old has made a remarkable breakthrough. picked by 2longdogs 10 months ago