On Autism’s Trail
A new microarray that can simultaneously detect 500,000 or more specific genetic variations, covering almost every gene in the genome, will provide better insights into the complex genetic bases of many illnesses. Using the chip from Santa Clara, CA-based Affymetrix (a similar one is made by San Diego-based Illumina), researchers worldwide are seeking genetic causes of diseases such as autism, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Below is a sampling of these efforts. Emily Singer

Disease
U.S. sufferers
Status
Autism
1 million to 1.5 million
Genetic data from 3,700 people with autism are now being analyzed.
Alzheimer’s
4.5 million
Genetic data have been collected from 1,645 Alzheimer’s patients. Results from analysis are expected late this year or in early 2007.
Type 1 and type 2
diabetes
20.7 million
Early results from a study of 2,000 sufferers of each diabetes type are expected by early 2007.
Hypertension
65 million
Early results from a study of 2,000 sufferers are expected by early 2007.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

The dark secret behind those cute AI-generated animal images
Google Brain has revealed its own image-making AI, called Imagen. But don't expect to see anything that isn't wholesome.

Inside Charm Industrial’s big bet on corn stalks for carbon removal
The startup used plant matter and bio-oil to sequester thousands of tons of carbon. The question now is how reliable, scalable, and economical this approach will prove.

The hype around DeepMind’s new AI model misses what’s actually cool about it
Some worry that the chatter about these tools is doing the whole field a disservice.

How Charm Industrial hopes to use crops to cut steel emissions
The startup believes its bio-oil, once converted into syngas, could help clean up the dirtiest industrial sector.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.