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Researchers published in the journal nature have discovered a groundbreaking link in the research of autism and related genetics. In a large study focusing on similarities that those with autism share in their genetic makeup that those without autism do not, the researchers have found that there is a significant variation.
The study compared the genomes of thousands of autistic people against thousands without, a task that only recently became possible thanks to increases in technology. In the past technology and research allowed scientists to say very little about the cause or treatment of autism, and although there was an idea that there could be a genetic link there was very little connection they were able to make due to the lack of technology. This new finding is very important and groundbreaking for what it will allow in determining cause and effect, and especially in treatment that can target the specific DNA codes involved.
The specifics of the findings, as shared in a LA Times article, involved "a genetic variation in a portion of their DNA that affects the way brain cells connect with one another. Scientists also reported a link between autism and small "mistakes" in another DNA segment involved with cell communication. Both reports add weight to the idea that autism is related to problems with the way brain cells connect." Even more specifically, "65% of autistic participants shared a variation between cadherin 10 and cadherin 9, a region of the genome that controls cell-adhesion molecules in the brain. Those molecules help brain cells connect, and autism researchers have long suspected that trouble there may be linked to the disorder." Here's the link to the story, the links wouldn't accept it: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-autism29-2009apr29,0,4441598.story
Though this finding merely allows scientists to focus more specifically at this particular genetic area, this finding is very important for putting to rest some other theories such as those involving links between vaccination and autism. More importantly, this finding should lead to better and more effective treatment. Great work researchers, keep it up!
And for a final treat I couldn't help but link to T Mac's high school basketball game where he was "hotter than a pistol." If you need a quick recap to the YouTube link, T Mac is a highly functioning autistic HS student who shot the lights out his final game of his HS basketball career. It was awesome, especially seeing the support and celebration of his fellow students who wanted him to succeed as well. Check it out, you won't regret it.