A new strain of mice carries large mutations that more closely mimic the genetic variations seen in some people with autism than do two previously created strains. Together, the mouse models may help researchers understand autism and test new treatments for the condition. The mice either lack a copy of a region on chromosome 16 called 16p11.2, or carry an extra copy of that segment. Roughly 1 percent of people with autism have a duplication or deletion of the region, leading to one or three copies rather than the usual two. View the full story here.

Project: Concept and illustration.
Client: Spectrum News: The leading source of news and expert opinion on autism research.