National Institute of Health awards professor $10 million to fund autism research
By Daily Bruin
April 3, 2013 2:44 p.m.
The original version of this article contained information that was unclear and has been changed. See the bottom of the article for additional information.
A professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine was awarded a $10 million grant renewal from the National Institute of Health to fund his autism research, according to a university statement released today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 88 have been identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
The grant, which will go to fund genetic testing at UCLA, will be given over a period of five years to Dr. Daniel Geschwind, a professor of neurology, psychiatry and genetics. Geschwind’s research deals with the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders. Geschwind also serves as the director of the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment.
The lab hopes to find mutations and bio markers that could help diagnose autism, said Lauren Kawaguchi, the manager of Geschwind’s lab who helped arrange the grant. The lab previously found a specific gene mutation that relates to autism.
Compiled by Matthew Foresta, Bruin contributor
Clarification: Geschwind was awarded a $10 million grant renewal.
