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Scientists in the United States develop a revolutionary brain scanner that detects autism with 95% efficiency.
Recently, scientists at the University of Virginia in the United States made a major breakthrough in understanding autism. They developed an innovative system that uses a brain scanner to detect genetic markers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with an impressive accuracy of up to 95%.
Brain scanner advances autism detection
The system can identify specific genetic variations associated with autism, opening up new possibilities for more accurate diagnoses and, eventually, more effective treatments.
A new technique relies on mathematical modeling to identify specific patterns in brain structure that are linked to genetic variations.
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These variations are known as “copy number variations,” where parts of the genetic code are duplicated or deleted.
These genetic changes have been linked to the development of autism, and the ability to accurately identify them in brain scans represents a significant advance.
How the brain scanner works
O work created by scientists uses a series of mathematical equations to analyze brain images in detail.
These equations can decipher complex information from images, transforming them into new visual data that can be analyzed later.
The process involves separating normal biological variations from those associated with autism. This allows researchers to pinpoint the areas of the brain where these genetic variations occur.
To carry out the study, scientists used data from the Simons Variation in Individuals Project.
This project gathers information from individuals who have genetic variations associated with autism.
By analyzing this information, the system was able to identify genetic variations directly linked to the disorder.
This represents an important advance, as autism has traditionally been diagnosed based on behavioral observations, which can be subjective and inaccurate.
The new system therefore offers a more objective, evidence-based approach, which could transform the way autism is diagnosed and treated.
Impacts of the new technique on research and treatment
The application of this technique can have impacts significant in autism research and treatment.
By precisely identifying the areas of the brain affected by genetic variations, researchers hope this could point to new therapeutic targets.
This identification of specific brain regions may, in the future, lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatments for people with autism.
Furthermore, the method also allows for a deeper understanding of how autism affects brain development.
One recent discovery is that macrocephaly, or brain enlargement, can intensify signs of autism.
This relationship between brain size and autism symptoms is an example of how the new technique could reveal valuable information about the disorder.
Another important discovery is that the neurological developmental changes associated with autism appear in the first few weeks of life.
This information is crucial for developing early interventions, which can make a big difference in the lives of people with autism.
The future of genetic diagnosis of autism
Researchers involved in the study believe that the ability to identify genetic variations linked to autism using brain scanners could transform the way the disorder is understood.
Currently, the diagnosis of autism is based primarily on behavioral observations, which can be subjective.
However, the new approach prioritizes genetics, offering a clearer and more objective view.
This technique can also be applied to other neurological conditions, allowing for a more detailed analysis of genetic variations and how they affect the brain.
With more research, it is possible that new therapies will be developed that target specific areas of the brain affected by autism and other conditions.
O work created by scientists at the University of Virginia is just the beginning of a new era in autism research.
Over time, this technology is expected to become more accessible and widely used, benefiting not only research but also the lives of millions of people around the world.
The expectation is that, with the evolution of technology and the expansion of studies, it will be possible to develop treatments that directly address the genetic causes of autism, instead of just treating the symptoms.
This can transform the lives of people with autism and their families, offering new hope for the future.
