This week, researchers reported in the journal Nature Genetics on the initial stages of a project that is hunting for genetic factors in autism. Researchers scanned genomes of the largest collection of families with multiple cases of autism ever assembled, looking for common factors. The team looked at genetic material from nearly 1,500 families, each of which has more than two members with one of the autism spectrum disorders. The analysis found a region on chromosome 11 that appears to be shared by many of the individuals studied. We'll talk about the work, and what the research might mean for efforts to track down the causes of autism. Autism spectrum disorders are said to affect about 6 out of every 1,000 children.

Most likely trajectory of the asteroid 99942 Apophis during its 2029 approach to Earth. The track was predicted using Jan. 2005 radar astrometry data. White dots indicate uncertainty in the path. Astronomers have effectively ruled out an Earth impact in 2029 -- but they're concerned about April 13, 2036. Credit: NASA JPL/ NEO Office

We'll also talk about efforts to keep tabs on asteroids that might endanger the planet. Last week, researchers called for an international effort, potentially coordinated by the United Nations, to act as a planetary response team for potential space threats. Though sky watchers have not located any definite threats so far, one worry is that by the time a threat is spotted, it will be too late for any one country to be able to take useful action on its own. Researchers pointed to one asteroid, 99942 Apophis, that has the potential to come quite near the Earth in 2036 -- but they don't know what else is out there.

Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Rowland Barrett
Director, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Bradley Hospital
Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Human Behavior
Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island

Edwin Cook, M.D.
Professor, Psychiatry
Director, Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience
Institute for Juvenile Research
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

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David Morrison
Senior Scientist, NASA Astrobiology Institute
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, California

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth