BBC Inside Science The science behind autism
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Oct 23, 2025 Laura Andreae, a Professor of Developmental Neuroscience, discusses the complex genetic factors contributing to autism, debunking harmful myths. Tim O'Brien, an Astrophysics Professor, shares insights on NASA's Artemis missions and the importance of lunar exploration. Tim Minshall, an expert in manufacturing, dives into the hidden complexities of global supply chains, emphasizing their vulnerabilities. Conservationist Dave Sexton recounts the inspiring story of 'Kinky,' a sea eagle's resilience after injury, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.
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Genetics Is The Main Driver Of Risk
- Genetics explains most autism risk, with heritability estimates around 60–90% from family and twin studies.
- Environmental factors likely contribute too, but their roles are less understood and need more research.
Technology Unlocked Autism Gene Discovery
- Advances in sequencing and detection of copy-number variants revealed hundreds of genes linked to autism.
- High-throughput genomics transformed autism genetics from family studies to precise gene discovery.
Genes Point To Synapses And Regulation
- Autism-associated genes cluster in two broad functional groups: transcriptional regulators and synaptic proteins.
- Synaptic involvement points to disrupted formation and function of neuronal connections during development.
