Chris Hayward Dead at 81

Dudley Do-Right writer dies

Last Updated: Monday, December 18, 2006 | 11:56 AM ET
CBC Arts

Chris Hayward, a television writer who brought his off-beat sense of humour to the Rocky and Bullwinkle TV show and comedies such as Get Smart and Barney Miller, has died.

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This guy had some of the cleverest scripts, and certainly the concept guy behind The Munsters deserves to be remembered.

All of the good humour seems to be draining out of this world. I think it was Mort Sahl who started the practice of reading newspaper headlines to present truth as comedy, this is all we are left with now....

Another brick in the wall of proof

Researchers link gene with autism

Last Updated: Monday, December 18, 2006 | 1:23 PM ET
CBC News

European scientists have identified mutations in a gene in three families with autism disorders, the journal Nature Genetics reported Monday.

In an abstract published online, the journal said a mutation in the SHANK3 gene "can result in language and/or social communication disorders."

The mutations were found in only three families with autism disorders, "but they shed light on one … synaptic pathway that is involved in autism spectrum disorders."

Thomas Bourgeron from the Institut Pasteur and University Denis Diderot in Paris, with colleagues from France, Sweden, Germany, Britain and Norway, said SHANK3 is related to neuroligins, and genes encoding neuroligins are mutated in autism and Asperger syndrome.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be very different, but are generally used to describe people who have problems communicating and relating to others. In severe cases, children can't connect with people around them.

People with Asperger syndrome have problems with social development, and often exhibit obsessive, repetitive behaviours and preoccupations such as rocking or hand waving.

The Autism Society Canada said that more than one out of every 200 children is affected.

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I've always subscribed to the genetic-origin theory rather than the vaccine theory.

Funny that they name the gene SHANK, like a sharpened toothbrush handle between the ribs in the shower room....