New genes and genomic regions that might be associated with autism have been identified by an international research team. The researchers identified a single-letter change on chromosome 5 near a gene called semaphorin 5A, which is believed to help guide the growth of neurons and their long progressions, called axons. The activity of this gene appears to be reduced in the brains of people with autism. More is here.

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Today I helped give a presentation in a Queens hospital to young doctors and the subject of how to deliver bad news about a child’s special needs to parents. The illumination factor …read more

20-year-old Alex Bain of Prince Edward Island has been named one of the most inspirational runners in Canada—-here’s the write-up in iRun and here’s more on the Runman blog (where you can leave a message if you’d like). And, here’s CBC News.
Go Alex!