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Study Links DNA Changes to Autism, Schizophrenia Development

9/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Exeter studied nearly 1,000 brains and found most DNA changes occur before birth, in autism- and schizophrenia-linked genes.
The cortex develops through precise genetic and chemical processes, including DNA methylation, shaping thought and behavior.
They mapped DNA methylation from 6 weeks post-conception to 108 years, focusing on neuron differentiation and autism/schizophrenia implications.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Exeter studied nearly 1,000 brains and found most DNA changes occur before birth, in autism- and schizophrenia-linked genes.
The cortex develops through precise genetic and chemical processes, including DNA methylation, shaping thought and behavior.
They mapped DNA methylation from 6 weeks post-conception to 108 years, focusing on neuron differentiation and autism/schizophrenia implications.