Israeli scientists unlock genetic links to Autism, brain disorder using CRISPR tech -study
Source: Jerusalem Post
The study used large-scale CRISPR gene-editing technology to systematically determine which genes are required as embryonic stem cells develop into brain
ByPESACH BENSON/TPS, OMER NOVOSELSKY/TPS
JANUARY 7, 2026 20:41
An international team of scientists has identified hundreds of genes that are essential for early brain development, uncovering new insights into the biological roots of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, and describing a previously unknown genetic condition that disrupts brain growth, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Neuroscience, used large-scale CRISPR gene-editing technology to systematically determine which genes are required as embryonic stem cells developed into brain cells.
Read more: https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-882674
It looks like vaccines have nothing to do with autism.
dweller
(27,858 posts) unknown genetic condition that disrupts brain growth
is ?
✌🏻
SunSeeker
(57,592 posts)Extensive research shows a significant link between older paternal age (especially over 40-50) and an increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, with some studies finding children of older fathers are several times more likely to be diagnosed compared to those with younger fathers, often linked to accumulated genetic mutations in sperm. While maternal age also plays a role, paternal age shows a stronger correlation, and mechanisms include new gene mutations and epigenetic changes, though other factors may also contribute. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7396152/#:~:text=A%20recent%20meta%2Danalysis%20examining,may%20relate%20to%20these%20mechanisms.
littlemissmartypants
(31,678 posts)...
We did not observe significant associations with increasing ASD-related outcomes and advanced parental age here.
Snip...
Instead, we observed stronger associations, which reached statistical significance in analyses of ASD diagnosis, with younger paternal age.
...
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7396152/#:~:text=A%20recent%20meta%2Danalysis%20examining,may%20relate%20to%20these%20mechanisms.
SunSeeker
(57,592 posts)So yeah, it's not so much the age of the mother and father combined ("parental age" ) as it is the father's advanced age ("paternal age" ) that correlates with a several fold increase in the risk of autism.
That is probably because there's lots of men over 40 fathering babies. Look at Mick Jagger, now 82. He had his 8th child with his 5th wife in 2016. He was 73, she was 29 in 2016. Women over 40 are much less likely to be producing babies. So when you're talking about old people having babies, you're talking about men.
littlemissmartypants
(31,678 posts)I think you should look at the results you quoted again.
SunSeeker
(57,592 posts)It goes on to state:
But the increase in ASD risk among very young fathers is not nearly as high as with old fathers, and it's the over 40 population of the "U" that is increasing in number and has the much more significant risk.
Here is conclusion of another, more recent article, from the ABA:
https://doublecareaba.com/post/do-older-fathers-cause-autism#:~:text=Studies%20across%20multiple%20species%2C%20including,neurodevelopmental%20disorders%20such%20as%20autism.
And here's an article in JAMA:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/668208#
littlemissmartypants
(31,678 posts)I don't know why you keep posting these long paragraphs. I disagree with your assumptions. It's just that simple. So, that's the end of it as far as I'm concerned. But thanks for the replies. ❤️ 👋
Deep State Witch
(12,576 posts)My husband is on the Spectrum. He's been misdiagnosed since he was a toddler. In fact, it's only been in the last few years that he's figured it out and claimed the label of AuDHD. (Autistic + ADHD) Now, he doesn't want to be labeled as autistic because of RFK. His father was about 20 years older than his mother. His father may have been on the Spectrum as well. We don't have children, but his niece from his younger brother is on the Spectrum - even though both of her parents are close in age.
SunSeeker
(57,592 posts)So if anything, vaccines protect kids from autism.
rampartd
(3,841 posts)the israelis have evidence that this is genetic, but it might be that some children have more interaction with nurturing adults and therefore learn greater social skills?
SunSeeker
(57,592 posts)Numerous large-scale scientific studies and major medical organizations worldwide have definitively concluded that mercury in vaccines does not cause autism. The scientific consensus is that there is no causal link between the two. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines#:~:text=back%20to%20top-,No%20Link%20between%20Thimerosal%20in%20Vaccines%20and%20Autism,at%20the%20site%20of%20injection.
Thimerosal was removed from vaccines (thanks to unfounded fear mongering) 20 YEARS AGO, yet autism diagnoses have only increased. But you know what else has sharply increased over the last 20 years? Old men fathering babies. And THAT is directly associated with a several fold increase in autism risk.
rampartd
(3,841 posts)if thimerosal was removed 20 years ago and we still get autistic kids , that's good evidence that autism might be caused by something else.