By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - DNA research has become a major part of medical science. What we learn from DNA can revolutionize care. That’s why it’s important to establish a repository of DNA samples for major conditions.

Some of the best examples of this work is in autism. Researchers at Rutgers have collected samples from numerous families that have a single autistic child. Samples come to Rutgers from all around the country. This will allow researchers to look not only at autism that has passed from generation to generation, but also at autism that derives from sporadic cases due to genetic changes.

It is research like this that can help lead to treatments.

KYW Newsradio is proud to support the 10th annual Philadelphia Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to raise awareness and funds for autism advocacy and research, Saturday, September 15th at Citizens Bank Park. You can register in the morning and a stage show starts at 9:30 am. The actual one-mile walk starts at 10:00 am.

For more information click WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org.