A recent article at Spectrum News is a bit concerning. Aside from stretching the correlation / causation problem, the language of “risk” is problematic.
“Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed thousands of points in the human genome that are associated with an increased chance of having autism or other brain conditions. But these so-called risk loci are not necessarily located in the genes that actually contribute to the conditions, nor do they necessarily influence those genes’ expression. They may, for instance, be linked to the genes simply by their proximity.
By mapping gene expression patterns within the brain, the new atlas enables researchers to pinpoint which risk loci have mechanistic links to specific conditions — a first step toward identifying therapeutic targets. These new data also capture which isoforms are present.”
If the goal is an in-vitro test for autism, what will the results be used for? What is the goal? Pre-loading supports for the family. Support payments to the family? Better housing / schooling options for the family? Or, will the information “inform” a discussion with the parents about aborting the problematic fetus?
It seems as though research continues to assume that there is No Place for Autism in our world, in spite of the genetic record and natural selection.
Mapping gene expression patterns within the brain
Mapping gene expression patterns within the brain
Mapping gene expression patterns within the brain
A recent article at Spectrum News is a bit concerning. Aside from stretching the correlation / causation problem, the language of “risk” is problematic.
If the goal is an in-vitro test for autism, what will the results be used for? What is the goal? Pre-loading supports for the family. Support payments to the family? Better housing / schooling options for the family? Or, will the information “inform” a discussion with the parents about aborting the problematic fetus?
It seems as though research continues to assume that there is No Place for Autism in our world, in spite of the genetic record and natural selection.