The Autism Genome Project has just been launched. The project aims to pool data from 1500 families from all over the world (participant families all have at least 2 autistic children) and is by far the largest autism genome scan ever done. The Project also uses new cutting-edge technology which will enable DNA to be scanned at a much finer level. Autism is probably caused by many genes, as well as environmental factors, but it is hoped that the scope of this project, involving about 170 of the world's leading genetics researchers, will finally enable us to "crack the mystery".