Machines Like Us

Scientists working on the largest-ever study into the cause of autism have identified two genetic links which they believe may predispose children to develop the disorder.

The latest result from the Autism Genome Project (AGP)—a collaboration between more than 120 scientists from 19 countries—is said to be an important step forward.

The study looked at 1,168 families in which two or more members were affected by autism. It found that a previously unidentified region of chromosome 11 may be linked to the disorder. The research, published in the journal Nature Genetics, also revealed a gene called neurexin 1 could be implicated.

The researchers said their findings add to the evidence that tiny, rare variations in genes may heighten the risk for autism-spectrum disorders.

From Scotsman