Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 8, 2008 12:53:52 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Study Yields More Clues About Autism

Posted Jul 10, 08 6:20 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Scientists have found six new genes linked to autism, inching closer to a fuller understanding of the disorder and how to treat it, the AP reports. The genes in question are necessary for learning but are essentially stuck in the "off" position. The finding lends credence to the philosophy behind intensive education programs that seek to give the circuits an "extra push," said one expert. 

"People think of genetic diseases as immutable and untreatable," said one of the lead researchers of the study, which focused on large Mideast families prone to autism. "Studies like ours and others give more hope we might not need to replace genes one by one, but find other ways of activating the genes that might be silent."

Source Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Cases of autism, mental retardation and other disabilities over time.   (AP Photo)
Eight-year-old Charlie Blakey, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.   (AP Photo)
An autistic child studies a flash card held by his instructional assistant.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A scientist holds a petri dish.   (KRT Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

Middle East  • DNA  • scientific study  • autism  • genetic defects  • neurons  • synapse


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »