Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Autism spectrum disorder in a child may be linked to mother’s job

A study found associations between mothers' occupations held before conception and ASD diagnosis in offspring, particularly in ground transportation, public administration, and military jobs. The researchers suggest that exposure to toxins and combustion products, as well as high stress at work, may contribute to neurodevelopmental risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Study: NIPT identifies twice as many down syndrome cases as STSS

A novel study analyzing the cost-effectiveness of different Down syndrome screening strategies confirms that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) significantly outperforms second-trimester serum screening (STSS). NIPT identifies twice as many DS cases as STSS, offering a more reliable option with lower incremental costs.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMay 16, 2025

Maternal autistic traits and adverse birth outcomes

A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 23, 2024

Hyenas inherit power from mothers, but it’s a privilege they pay dearly for

A study found that every member of a hyena clan, except the highest-ranking queen, suffers downward mobility across their lifetime due to demographic processes. Hyenas can move up and down in the hierarchy over time, but they slide down more often than jumping up.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Important new hair-loss gene discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a novel hair-loss gene variant associated with male baldness. The research found that this gene, located on chromosome 20, is inherited from both parents and may account for the similarity in cranial hair growth between father and son.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 12, 2008