Health and Me

Ishita Roy

A Ugandan Scientist's Photos Reveal How Marburg Virus Can Spread To Different Species

<span>Marburg virus</span> is one of the world’s deadliest pathogens. Closely related to Ebola, it causes hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates as high as 88%. First identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, it is classified as a zoonotic disease — one that jumps from animals to humans. The primary reservoir of the virus is the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which lives in large colonies in African caves and mines.

Outbreaks in countries like Uganda and Angola have been linked to contact with bat excreta or shared fruit. Until now, however, little visual evidence existed of how <span>Marburg</span> might be moving across species in the wild. A new discovery at Python Cave in Uganda could change that.

<h4>Extraordinary Discovery from an Unlikely Source</h4>

In early 2025, a remarkable discovery came not from a laboratory or global health agency but from a young Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse. As part of a leopard-monitoring project in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Atukwatse installed camera traps near a known bat cave to monitor predator activity.

What he captured over just four months stunned his team: 261 instances of predation and scavenging around the bat colony, involving at least 14 different species—including crowned eagles, Nile monitors, blue monkeys, and leopards. These bats, crucially, are documented carriers of the Marburg virus.

Atukwatse, working with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project, had set out to study leopard movements. Instead, he captured unprecedented visual evidence of what disease ecologists call a "spillover interface"—a location where a virus might leap from animals into new hosts, including humans.

<h4>New Spillover Pathway: Predation</h4>

Until recently, two major spillover pathways for Marburg were recognized:

<ul><li>Direct contact—through cave exploration or exposure to guano.</li><li>Contaminated fruit—eaten by bats and later consumed by humans or other animals.</li></ul>

Now, Atukwatse's footage suggests a third: predation. Species ranging from blue monkeys to fish eagles were recorded feeding on the bats. This finding indicates a potentially overlooked transmission route in which predators may act as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans or other wildlife.

This is the first time such a large-scale, visual dataset has documented predator-prey interactions involving a known viral reservoir in nature. While individual cases of monkeys or birds feeding on bats have been observed, never before has evidence of repeated, multi-species predation at a virus site been systematically captured.

Perhaps even more concerning, the cameras recorded over 400 human visitors—many tourists—approaching the cave mouth without protective equipment. While the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set up a viewing platform 35 meters away, many visitors ignored safety protocols, walking within two meters of the bat colony.

This proximity to a Marburg hotspot, combined with the newly observed predator activity, presents a chilling risk. In the past, tourists have contracted the virus in the same region, and now more evidence suggests that such spillover scenarios may be far more complex and frequent than previously thought.

<h4>A Wake-Up Call for Global Health</h4>

Atukwatse’s discovery underscores the critical role of local scientists in uncovering potential pandemic threats. Unlike multimillion-dollar surveillance programs, this breakthrough came from ecological instinct and basic camera equipment. It points to a vital gap in global health: the need to fund and empower local field researchers who are closest to where such threats emerge.

Disease ecologists have long warned that the next pandemic may begin in remote animal-human interfaces. But until now, these warnings were largely based on models and assumptions. This footage shifts that narrative—providing real, observable evidence of a spillover ecosystem in action.

This discovery could mark a pivotal moment in spillover research. It not only confirms theories about how viruses like Marburg may spread through predator chains but also highlights the danger of human encroachment into such ecosystems.

In the future, early warning systems must include support for grassroots surveillance, like the kind Atukwatse led. The next deadly virus may already be circulating—visible not only under a microscope, but also through the lens of a trail camera in the hands of a watchful local scientist.

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Marburg virus is one of the world’s deadliest pathogens. Closely related to Ebola, it causes hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates as high as 88%. First identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, it is classified as a zoonotic disease — one that jumps from animals to humans. The primary reservoir of the virus is the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which lives in large colonies in African caves and mines.Outbreaks in countries like Uganda and Angola have been linked to contact with bat excreta or shared fruit. Until now, however, little visual evidence existed of how Marburg might be moving across species in the wild. A new discovery at Python Cave in Uganda could change that.Extraordinary Discovery from an Unlikely SourceIn early 2025, a remarkable discovery came not from a laboratory or global health agency but from a young Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse. As part of a leopard-monitoring project in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Atukwatse installed camera traps near a known bat cave to monitor predator activity.What he captured over just four months stunned his team: 261 instances of predation and scavenging around the bat colony, involving at least 14 different species—including crowned eagles, Nile monitors, blue monkeys, and leopards. These bats, crucially, are documented carriers of the Marburg virus.Atukwatse, working with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project, had set out to study leopard movements. Instead, he captured unprecedented visual evidence of what disease ecologists call a "spillover interface"—a location where a virus might leap from animals into new hosts, including humans.New Spillover Pathway: PredationUntil recently, two major spillover pathways for Marburg were recognized:Direct contact—through cave exploration or exposure to guano.Contaminated fruit—eaten by bats and later consumed by humans or other animals.Now, Atukwatse's footage suggests a third: predation. Species ranging from blue monkeys to fish eagles were recorded feeding on the bats. This finding indicates a potentially overlooked transmission route in which predators may act as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans or other wildlife.This is the first time such a large-scale, visual dataset has documented predator-prey interactions involving a known viral reservoir in nature. While individual cases of monkeys or birds feeding on bats have been observed, never before has evidence of repeated, multi-species predation at a virus site been systematically captured.Human Risk: A Ticking Time BombPerhaps even more concerning, the cameras recorded over 400 human visitors—many tourists—approaching the cave mouth without protective equipment. While the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set up a viewing platform 35 meters away, many visitors ignored safety protocols, walking within two meters of the bat colony.This proximity to a Marburg hotspot, combined with the newly observed predator activity, presents a chilling risk. In the past, tourists have contracted the virus in the same region, and now more evidence suggests that such spillover scenarios may be far more complex and frequent than previously thought.A Wake-Up Call for Global HealthAtukwatse’s discovery underscores the critical role of local scientists in uncovering potential pandemic threats. Unlike multimillion-dollar surveillance programs, this breakthrough came from ecological instinct and basic camera equipment. It points to a vital gap in global health: the need to fund and empower local field researchers who are closest to where such threats emerge.Disease ecologists have long warned that the next pandemic may begin in remote animal-human interfaces. But until now, these warnings were largely based on models and assumptions. This footage shifts that narrative—providing real, observable evidence of a spillover ecosystem in action.A New Era of Spillover ScienceThis discovery could mark a pivotal moment in spillover research. It not only confirms theories about how viruses like Marburg may spread through predator chains but also highlights the danger of human encroachment into such ecosystems.In the future, early warning systems must include support for grassroots surveillance, like the kind Atukwatse led. The next deadly virus may already be circulating—visible not only under a microscope, but also through the lens of a trail camera in the hands of a watchful local scientist.

a ugandan scientist's photos reveal how marburg virus can spread to different species

Martin Frizell Shares How His Wife Fiona Philips Thought His To Be A Kidnapper Due To Her Alzheimer's Disease

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Alzheimer's disease, as per the National Health Service, UK, is the most common form of <span>dementia</span>. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking skills and eventually, the ability to perform even simple tasks. This also results in the day-to-day ability of functioning, including finding it difficult to identify a known person, experiencing brain fog, and more. 

The Kent-born journalist 64 and former GMTV presenter <span>Fiona Phillips</span> who in 2023 announced that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia thought her husband had kidnapped her because of "delusions", which were one of the symptoms or traits of the Alzheimer's disease. The Independent reports that she was diagnosed with the same in 2022.

The earliest symptoms were brain fog, this is also common in menopausal women, so her initial guess too was menopause when she experienced "brain fog and anxiety". 

Her husband, <span>Martin Frizell</span>, who is the former This Morning editor, has helped her through her condition and has also helped her write a memoir titled Remember When. The memoir aims to help others who have been diagnosed with the disease. 

<h4>Pain, Anxiety, and Degrading Memory</h4>

Frizell, who is 66, shared an update on Phillip's condition on Friday saying that there are times when she does not remember who her husband is. 

Frizell said that she "doesn't quite know that I'm her husband." He shared the update with This Morning on Friday and said that Fiona sometimes becomes confused about who he is. He further added pointing to a recent photo in the book, "She is looking great and she is kinda smiling...And what you don't know is she thought I'd kidnapped her." However, he did add that she'd recognise him "most of the time."

Speaking to ITV, Frizell also said, "She'd love to be here, but she's got anxiety. She's got a kind of secondary problem that causes her to be in pain, a lot, a lot of pain, which adds to the confusion. So it's difficult."

He explained that this disease comes with "all sorts of delusions", and that this leaves his wife "kind of worked up". 

The forgetfulness is such that on some occasions, Phillips asks to go visit her parents, to which, Frizell says, "I have not got the heart to say they aren't here. What you do is, you say, 'Let's get out coats on, let's get out shoes on', we go around the block a couple of times and come back in. And she says, 'Oh I am home now'."

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia—a syndrome marked by a continuous decline in brain function, as noted by the NHS.

It is a progressive disease that gradually affects memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities, with symptoms worsening over time.

While there is no cure yet, certain medications can help ease some of the symptoms temporarily. To this, Frizell says, "Society has decided we’re not going to take it as seriously as we should. The money that’s there for Alzheimer’s research, it’s like buying a Starbucks cup of coffee, basically trying to fight a disease. It’s impossible.”

He also mentioned that early in their relationship, they discussed Phillips granting him lasting power of attorney, so he could make health and financial decisions on her behalf if she ever became unable to do so herself.

Last year, in November, he announced that he was stepping down as the editor of This Morning, after a decade in the post, saying that he was expecting "family priorities to change" and needed to free up time for them. 

fiona phillips

martin frizell

dementia

fiona philips thought her husband was kidnapper

Alzheimer's disease, as per the National Health Service, UK, is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking skills and eventually, the ability to perform even simple tasks. This also results in the day-to-day ability of functioning, including finding it difficult to identify a known person, experiencing brain fog, and more. The Kent-born journalist 64 and former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips who in 2023 announced that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia thought her husband had kidnapped her because of "delusions", which were one of the symptoms or traits of the Alzheimer's disease. The Independent reports that she was diagnosed with the same in 2022.She Thought It Was MenopauseThe earliest symptoms were brain fog, this is also common in menopausal women, so her initial guess too was menopause when she experienced "brain fog and anxiety". Her husband, Martin Frizell, who is the former This Morning editor, has helped her through her condition and has also helped her write a memoir titled Remember When. The memoir aims to help others who have been diagnosed with the disease. Pain, Anxiety, and Degrading MemoryFrizell, who is 66, shared an update on Phillip's condition on Friday saying that there are times when she does not remember who her husband is. Frizell said that she "doesn't quite know that I'm her husband." He shared the update with This Morning on Friday and said that Fiona sometimes becomes confused about who he is. He further added pointing to a recent photo in the book, "She is looking great and she is kinda smiling...And what you don't know is she thought I'd kidnapped her." However, he did add that she'd recognise him "most of the time."Speaking to ITV, Frizell also said, "She'd love to be here, but she's got anxiety. She's got a kind of secondary problem that causes her to be in pain, a lot, a lot of pain, which adds to the confusion. So it's difficult."He explained that this disease comes with "all sorts of delusions", and that this leaves his wife "kind of worked up". The forgetfulness is such that on some occasions, Phillips asks to go visit her parents, to which, Frizell says, "I have not got the heart to say they aren't here. What you do is, you say, 'Let's get out coats on, let's get out shoes on', we go around the block a couple of times and come back in. And she says, 'Oh I am home now'."What Is Alzheimer's?Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia—a syndrome marked by a continuous decline in brain function, as noted by the NHS.It is a progressive disease that gradually affects memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities, with symptoms worsening over time.While there is no cure yet, certain medications can help ease some of the symptoms temporarily. To this, Frizell says, "Society has decided we’re not going to take it as seriously as we should. The money that’s there for Alzheimer’s research, it’s like buying a Starbucks cup of coffee, basically trying to fight a disease. It’s impossible.”He also mentioned that early in their relationship, they discussed Phillips granting him lasting power of attorney, so he could make health and financial decisions on her behalf if she ever became unable to do so herself.Last year, in November, he announced that he was stepping down as the editor of This Morning, after a decade in the post, saying that he was expecting "family priorities to change" and needed to free up time for them. 

martin frizell shares how his wife fiona philips thought his to be a kidnapper due to her alzheimer's disease

Tanya Dutt

Arizona Resident Dies Of Bubonic Plague Only 24 Hours After Showing Symptoms, All About The Rare Case

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A sudden and tragic death in Northern <span>Arizona</span> has jolted both local officials and public health experts. A resident died from the <span>plague</span> within just 24 hours of showing symptoms, marking one of the rare but serious instances of the disease in the United States. The person, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center in critical condition but succumbed the same day. An autopsy confirmed the presence of <span>Yersinia pestis</span>, the bacterium responsible for plague.

The case has sparked renewed concern, especially as it occured at the same with a reported die-off of prairie dogs near Flagstaff, an ecological warning sign that the plague may be spreading through local wildlife.

Though it’s often associated with the Black Death of the 14th century, which wiped out millions in Europe, plague is far from extinct. In fact, it continues to appear in small pockets across rural parts of the western United States—including areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.

According to the CDC, the U.S. reports an average of seven human plague cases annually. Most of them are bubonic plague, and the disease remains treatable with antibiotics—if caught in time.

The recent Arizona case is a stark reminder of how fast and fatal plague can be if untreated. Coconino County health officials said symptoms can appear within 1–8 days of exposure, and immediate medical care is essential to survival.

While officials have withheld the identity and demographic details of the deceased, their rapid deterioration has been linked to an ongoing investigation into unusual prairie dog deaths northeast of Flagstaff. These rodents, commonly found across the Southwest, are known to harbor fleas that can transmit Yersinia pestis.

“Prairie dogs are highly susceptible to plague but are not considered long-term reservoirs of the disease,” the county stated. However, their die-off is often the first sign that plague is circulating in the environment.

Authorities are working with private property owners to collect flea samples from affected areas. So far, no other human cases have been confirmed.

Yersinia pestis is a highly infectious bacterium that causes plague. It spreads primarily through bites from infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals, especially rodents. Humans may also become infected through handling contaminated animal tissues or inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal.

Despite its ancient roots, modern plague is very much a public health concern and if left untreated, it can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.

Plague manifests in three distinct ways, depending on how the infection spreads in the body:

The most common form, often spread by flea bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, extreme fatigue, and painful, swollen lymph nodes (called buboes). If treated promptly with antibiotics, survival rates exceed 90%.

This form affects the bloodstream and can arise from untreated bubonic plague or direct infection. It’s more severe and presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin, and tissue death—often turning fingers, toes, or the nose black. Left untreated, it is often fatal.

The rarest and most dangerous form, pneumonic plague infects the lungs. It can be transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets, making it the only contagious form. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing. Without treatment, it progresses rapidly and is often fatal.

In the Arizona case, the resident reportedly died within a day of showing symptoms, underscoring the disease’s swift progression. According to health officials, timing is everything. Plague must be treated within 24 hours of symptom onset for the best outcome.

The last significant outbreak in Arizona occurred in 1996, when two out of five infected individuals died. In both cases, a delayed diagnosis was the critical failure. One of them, an 18-year-old, likely contracted the disease after walking through a prairie dog colony in Navajo County. Traces of Yersinia pestis were later found in the fleas of pet dogs in the area.

<h2>Risk Factors and Tips to Stay Safe Related to Plague</h2>

While plague is rare, it remains a risk in certain rural areas where wild rodent populations are common. Arizona’s Department of Health and the CDC recommend the following precautions:

<ul><li>Avoid contact with wild rodents, especially sick or dead animals.</li><li>Use flea control products for pets and avoid letting them roam in areas with prairie dogs or wild rabbits.</li><li>Clear clutter and debris around homes to deter rodent nesting.</li><li>Stay away from burrows or animal dens, particularly when camping or hiking.</li><li>Report unusual animal deaths, particularly among prairie dogs or squirrels, to local authorities.</li></ul>

Residents experiencing fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms following exposure to wild areas should contact their physician immediately and mention possible rodent or flea exposure.

No. While the term “plague” conjures images of medieval pandemics, modern medicine has kept it in check. Still, experts caution against complacency.

“People hear ‘plague’ and think it’s a relic of the past,” said a public health official from Coconino County. “But for those of us in rural areas of the West, it’s something we monitor every year.”

The plague hasn’t gone anywhere—it’s just rare. And in the few places where it remains endemic, vigilance is essential.

If you're in a region where plague is known to exist, take precautions seriously. Public health officials stress that education, awareness, and prompt action are the most powerful tools we have to prevent future tragedies like this one.

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plague prevention tips

A sudden and tragic death in Northern Arizona has jolted both local officials and public health experts. A resident died from the plague within just 24 hours of showing symptoms, marking one of the rare but serious instances of the disease in the United States. The person, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center in critical condition but succumbed the same day. An autopsy confirmed the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague.The case has sparked renewed concern, especially as it occured at the same with a reported die-off of prairie dogs near Flagstaff, an ecological warning sign that the plague may be spreading through local wildlife.Though it’s often associated with the Black Death of the 14th century, which wiped out millions in Europe, plague is far from extinct. In fact, it continues to appear in small pockets across rural parts of the western United States—including areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.According to the CDC, the U.S. reports an average of seven human plague cases annually. Most of them are bubonic plague, and the disease remains treatable with antibiotics—if caught in time.The recent Arizona case is a stark reminder of how fast and fatal plague can be if untreated. Coconino County health officials said symptoms can appear within 1–8 days of exposure, and immediate medical care is essential to survival.While officials have withheld the identity and demographic details of the deceased, their rapid deterioration has been linked to an ongoing investigation into unusual prairie dog deaths northeast of Flagstaff. These rodents, commonly found across the Southwest, are known to harbor fleas that can transmit Yersinia pestis.“Prairie dogs are highly susceptible to plague but are not considered long-term reservoirs of the disease,” the county stated. However, their die-off is often the first sign that plague is circulating in the environment.Authorities are working with private property owners to collect flea samples from affected areas. So far, no other human cases have been confirmed.What Is Yersinia pestis?Yersinia pestis is a highly infectious bacterium that causes plague. It spreads primarily through bites from infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals, especially rodents. Humans may also become infected through handling contaminated animal tissues or inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal.Despite its ancient roots, modern plague is very much a public health concern and if left untreated, it can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.3 Forms of PlaguePlague manifests in three distinct ways, depending on how the infection spreads in the body:Bubonic PlagueThe most common form, often spread by flea bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, extreme fatigue, and painful, swollen lymph nodes (called buboes). If treated promptly with antibiotics, survival rates exceed 90%.Septicemic PlagueThis form affects the bloodstream and can arise from untreated bubonic plague or direct infection. It’s more severe and presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin, and tissue death—often turning fingers, toes, or the nose black. Left untreated, it is often fatal.Pneumonic PlagueThe rarest and most dangerous form, pneumonic plague infects the lungs. It can be transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets, making it the only contagious form. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing. Without treatment, it progresses rapidly and is often fatal.In the Arizona case, the resident reportedly died within a day of showing symptoms, underscoring the disease’s swift progression. According to health officials, timing is everything. Plague must be treated within 24 hours of symptom onset for the best outcome.The last significant outbreak in Arizona occurred in 1996, when two out of five infected individuals died. In both cases, a delayed diagnosis was the critical failure. One of them, an 18-year-old, likely contracted the disease after walking through a prairie dog colony in Navajo County. Traces of Yersinia pestis were later found in the fleas of pet dogs in the area.Risk Factors and Tips to Stay Safe Related to PlagueWhile plague is rare, it remains a risk in certain rural areas where wild rodent populations are common. Arizona’s Department of Health and the CDC recommend the following precautions:Avoid contact with wild rodents, especially sick or dead animals.Use flea control products for pets and avoid letting them roam in areas with prairie dogs or wild rabbits.Clear clutter and debris around homes to deter rodent nesting.Stay away from burrows or animal dens, particularly when camping or hiking.Report unusual animal deaths, particularly among prairie dogs or squirrels, to local authorities.Residents experiencing fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms following exposure to wild areas should contact their physician immediately and mention possible rodent or flea exposure.Is the Plague Coming Back?No. While the term “plague” conjures images of medieval pandemics, modern medicine has kept it in check. Still, experts caution against complacency.“People hear ‘plague’ and think it’s a relic of the past,” said a public health official from Coconino County. “But for those of us in rural areas of the West, it’s something we monitor every year.”The plague hasn’t gone anywhere—it’s just rare. And in the few places where it remains endemic, vigilance is essential.If you're in a region where plague is known to exist, take precautions seriously. Public health officials stress that education, awareness, and prompt action are the most powerful tools we have to prevent future tragedies like this one.

arizona resident dies of bubonic plague only 24 hours after showing symptoms, all about the rare case

Explained: New Autism Research Reveals 4 Distinct Subtypes, Links Genes To Children's Traits

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<span>Autism</span> has long been known yet unknown, its defining characteristics understood for decades, but its biological roots unknown. Now, a new research study conducted at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation is changing the narrative by identifying four separate genetic subtypes of autism. This study is a key turning point in understanding that autism is not one disorder, but several variations based on genetic diversity.

Autism is generally thought of as a spectrum, that is, each person exhibits a particular set of characteristics, behaviors, and abilities. To date, efforts to connect particular genes with particular behaviors have been unsuccessful. You might think of it as sitting down to try to assemble several jigsaw puzzles simultaneously, all of which share similar pieces. That is, until scientists started to sort children into categories by behavior before examining their genomes.

Natalie Sauerwald, co-author and associate research scientist at the Flatiron Institute, clarifies, "We couldn't see the whole picture…until we divided people into subtypes."

Her lab, in collaboration with Aviya Litman of Princeton, analyzed data from more than 5,300 kids between 4 and 18 who were in SPARK, a large autism cohort. They measured over 230 characteristics—social communication, repetitive behaviors, developmental milestones, anxiety, ADHD, and others. Employing sophisticated statistical modeling, they discovered four clusters, each associated with distinct genetic patterns.

<h2>The Four Autism Subtypes Identified</h2>

<h4>Social and Behavioral Challenges (37%)</h4>

Children achieve typical developmental milestones but have difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and usually suffer from ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

<h4>Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (19%)</h4>

They have a mixture of autism characteristics with delays in early development. Co-occurring conditions are less prevalent compared to the first group.

Traits are less severe than in other groups, and developmental milestones are on track. There are no major co-occurring conditions.

The most severely affected, this group exhibits pervasive autism characteristics, developmental delay, and intellectual disability.

Notably, the subtypes aligned directly with genetic results. The Broadly Affected subgroup had the greatest percentage of de novo mutations, genetic changes that occur spontaneously and aren't inherited.

<h2>Why Recognsing Genetic Traits Matter For Autism Diagnosis And Treatment?</h2>

The implications of the study are vast for science, medicine and families. For the first time, genes intersect meaningfully with behavior in a way that shows there isn't one biological pathway to autism. Rather, by correlating certain profiles of traits with different kinds of genetic mutations, the study demonstrates that there are several developmental pathways—representing a profound departure from the old one-size-fits-all paradigm. Clinically, it means potentially improved prognoses and more tailored treatment plans. For example, some subtypes of children may be more helped by speech and social therapy, whereas others will need targeted developmental therapies. From the research standpoint, this makes it possible for researchers to research autism in smaller, more homogeneous populations, which significantly enhances the promise of identifying targeted biological treatments that work.

Dr. Catherine Lord, a leading autism researcher not involved in the study, noted, “These groups make sense…and the connection to genetics is what makes these results most noteworthy.”

As Sauerwald stresses, these four subtypes aren’t definitive but serve as a foundation:

“We’ve discovered a data-driven framework showing there are at least four meaningful subtypes…meaningful both for clinical work and research.”

But this group was largely white and not strictly representative. Further research is required to affirm whether these subtypes hold true across the world. The question then becomes how to translate this model into day-to-day clinics—can pediatricians accurately assign subtypes, and will it lead to better outcomes?

<h2>Beyond Behavior Key Traits of Autism</h2>

Autism is typically characterized by social and behavioral issues, but there's more than meets the eye. From sensitivity to sound and light, and from stimming to masking and hyperfocus, defining characteristics go beyond behavior. Knowing these trends does a better job of describing in more complete, accurate terms how each person is affected in their own way by autism.

<ul><li>Sensitivities to sound, light, taste</li><li>Stimming routines employed for concentration or self-calming</li><li>Masking habits, where autistic people change behavior in order to fit in</li><li>Burnout, profound exhaustion after social overstimulation</li><li>Literal thinking, hyperfocus, and deep special interests</li></ul>

Pattern combinations such as these group differently across subtypes and affect each child's developmental trajectory.

<h2>Are We Moving Toward Personalized Autism Treatment?</h2>

For parents, knowing a child's particular autism subtype may bring them much-needed clarity, direction, and hope. By having a more specific profile of their child's subtype, educational interventions can be more appropriately matched to individual strength and difficulty profiles, supporting more efficient learning assistance. <span>Mental health</span> treatment, as well, can be more specifically tailored to address the specific affective and behavioral tendencies associated with each subtype. Outside of clinical treatment, understanding a child's subtype can assist families in linking with others who are undergoing similar experiences, creating peer networks based on mutual understanding. And most importantly, perhaps, this information is the portal to future therapies—everything from tailored treatment regimes to possible genetic counseling or medication—all with the person's biology in mind.

In a disorder that has long defied tidy labels, this subclassification provides a whole lot more than even labels—provide guidance.

Autism's intricacy had infuriated researchers and families both. But with purposeful subtypes in place, the field now has a plan. Genetics can engage significantly with therapy and support and make a difference in people's lives.

Autism is no longer a monolithic condition—it's a spectrum within a spectrum, identified not just by diagnosis but by the biology that informs every experience.

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Autism has long been known yet unknown, its defining characteristics understood for decades, but its biological roots unknown. Now, a new research study conducted at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation is changing the narrative by identifying four separate genetic subtypes of autism. This study is a key turning point in understanding that autism is not one disorder, but several variations based on genetic diversity.Autism is generally thought of as a spectrum, that is, each person exhibits a particular set of characteristics, behaviors, and abilities. To date, efforts to connect particular genes with particular behaviors have been unsuccessful. You might think of it as sitting down to try to assemble several jigsaw puzzles simultaneously, all of which share similar pieces. That is, until scientists started to sort children into categories by behavior before examining their genomes.Natalie Sauerwald, co-author and associate research scientist at the Flatiron Institute, clarifies, "We couldn't see the whole picture…until we divided people into subtypes."Her lab, in collaboration with Aviya Litman of Princeton, analyzed data from more than 5,300 kids between 4 and 18 who were in SPARK, a large autism cohort. They measured over 230 characteristics—social communication, repetitive behaviors, developmental milestones, anxiety, ADHD, and others. Employing sophisticated statistical modeling, they discovered four clusters, each associated with distinct genetic patterns.The Four Autism Subtypes IdentifiedSocial and Behavioral Challenges (37%)Children achieve typical developmental milestones but have difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and usually suffer from ADHD, anxiety, or depression.Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (19%)They have a mixture of autism characteristics with delays in early development. Co-occurring conditions are less prevalent compared to the first group.Moderate Challenges (34%)Traits are less severe than in other groups, and developmental milestones are on track. There are no major co-occurring conditions.Broadly Affected (10%)The most severely affected, this group exhibits pervasive autism characteristics, developmental delay, and intellectual disability.Notably, the subtypes aligned directly with genetic results. The Broadly Affected subgroup had the greatest percentage of de novo mutations, genetic changes that occur spontaneously and aren't inherited.Why Recognsing Genetic Traits Matter For Autism Diagnosis And Treatment?The implications of the study are vast for science, medicine and families. For the first time, genes intersect meaningfully with behavior in a way that shows there isn't one biological pathway to autism. Rather, by correlating certain profiles of traits with different kinds of genetic mutations, the study demonstrates that there are several developmental pathways—representing a profound departure from the old one-size-fits-all paradigm. Clinically, it means potentially improved prognoses and more tailored treatment plans. For example, some subtypes of children may be more helped by speech and social therapy, whereas others will need targeted developmental therapies. From the research standpoint, this makes it possible for researchers to research autism in smaller, more homogeneous populations, which significantly enhances the promise of identifying targeted biological treatments that work.Dr. Catherine Lord, a leading autism researcher not involved in the study, noted, “These groups make sense…and the connection to genetics is what makes these results most noteworthy.”As Sauerwald stresses, these four subtypes aren’t definitive but serve as a foundation:“We’ve discovered a data-driven framework showing there are at least four meaningful subtypes…meaningful both for clinical work and research.”But this group was largely white and not strictly representative. Further research is required to affirm whether these subtypes hold true across the world. The question then becomes how to translate this model into day-to-day clinics—can pediatricians accurately assign subtypes, and will it lead to better outcomes?Beyond Behavior Key Traits of AutismAutism is typically characterized by social and behavioral issues, but there's more than meets the eye. From sensitivity to sound and light, and from stimming to masking and hyperfocus, defining characteristics go beyond behavior. Knowing these trends does a better job of describing in more complete, accurate terms how each person is affected in their own way by autism.Sensitivities to sound, light, tasteStimming routines employed for concentration or self-calmingMasking habits, where autistic people change behavior in order to fit inBurnout, profound exhaustion after social overstimulationLiteral thinking, hyperfocus, and deep special interestsPattern combinations such as these group differently across subtypes and affect each child's developmental trajectory.Are We Moving Toward Personalized Autism Treatment?For parents, knowing a child's particular autism subtype may bring them much-needed clarity, direction, and hope. By having a more specific profile of their child's subtype, educational interventions can be more appropriately matched to individual strength and difficulty profiles, supporting more efficient learning assistance. Mental health treatment, as well, can be more specifically tailored to address the specific affective and behavioral tendencies associated with each subtype. Outside of clinical treatment, understanding a child's subtype can assist families in linking with others who are undergoing similar experiences, creating peer networks based on mutual understanding. And most importantly, perhaps, this information is the portal to future therapies—everything from tailored treatment regimes to possible genetic counseling or medication—all with the person's biology in mind.In a disorder that has long defied tidy labels, this subclassification provides a whole lot more than even labels—provide guidance.Autism's intricacy had infuriated researchers and families both. But with purposeful subtypes in place, the field now has a plan. Genetics can engage significantly with therapy and support and make a difference in people's lives.Autism is no longer a monolithic condition—it's a spectrum within a spectrum, identified not just by diagnosis but by the biology that informs every experience.

explained: new autism research reveals 4 distinct subtypes, links genes to children's traits

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