Autism News and Research

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Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Researchers identify genes associated with autism spectrum disorder

The lack of some genes in the BEC/TCEAL cluster could be related to some alterations associated with the autism spectrum disorder, according to a preclinical study published in the journal Genome Biology, and led by Professor Jordi Garcia Fernàndez, from the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), and researcher Jaime Carvajal, from the Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology - University Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-UPO).

27 Oct 2020

High folic acid levels during pregnancy affect brain development of mouse embryos

A UC Davis MIND Institute study of pregnant mice found that high amounts of folic acid during pregnancy harmed the brain development of embryos.

6 Oct 2020

Mouse model reveals neurons responsible for guiding adaptive behavior

Humans, like other animals, have the ability to constantly adapt to new situations. Researchers at the Brain Research Institute of the University of Zurich have utilized a mouse model to reveal which neurons in the brain are in command in guiding adaptive behavior.

17 Sep 2020

Study shows how neural circuits are refined in response to sensory cues

According to a study published in the Neuron journal in September 2020, immune cells play a surprising role in fine-tuning the neural circuits of the brain.

16 Sep 2020

New research helps illuminate a surprising mind-body connection

New research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helps illuminate a surprising mind-body connection.

15 Sep 2020

Combining stem cell therapy with educational intervention can help children with autism

Results of a clinical trial released today in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine indicate that a combination of stem cell therapy and educational intervention can significantly help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

10 Sep 2020

Study shows misfiring brain cells can create swallowing problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

According to neuroscientists, misfiring brain cells that regulate vital parts of the tongue and mouth might be creating swallowing problems in kids.

2 Sep 2020

Researchers identify brain protein that leads to seizures, abnormal social behaviors

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism that is responsible for causing the abnormal development of neuronal connections in the mice brain.

1 Sep 2020

How do Neural Stem Cells become Nerve Cells?

Professor Vanderhaeghen speaks to AZoLifeSciences about his teams research discovery on mitochondria, and their involvement during brain development.

1 Sep 2020

UQ researchers identify genetic link between cattle temperament and autism in humans

A strong association between the genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans has been discovered by University of Queensland researchers.

28 Aug 2020

Largely ignored 'housekeeping' gene plays unexpected role in neurological diseases

Within cells, molecules known as transfer RNAs, or "tRNAs," play an important but unglamorous workhorse role in keeping the genetic translation process moving along from codes of DNA to functional proteins.

27 Aug 2020

Children exposed to cannabis in pregnancy have greater risk of autism

In the largest study of its kind, Ottawa researchers found that children whose mothers reported using cannabis during pregnancy were at greater risk of autism.

11 Aug 2020

Mathematical model shows how stability inherently arises in the brain

Whether you are playing Go in a park amid chirping birds, a gentle breeze and kids playing catch nearby or you are playing in a den with a ticking clock on a bookcase and a purring cat on the sofa, if the game situation is identical and clear, your next move likely would be, too, regardless of those different conditions.

11 Aug 2020

Study: Transgender and gender-diverse adults more likely to be diagnosed as autistic

Transgender and gender-diverse adults are three to six times more likely as cisgender adults (individuals whose gender identity corresponds to their sex assigned at birth) to be diagnosed as autistic, according to a new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre.

10 Aug 2020

Rutgers expert highlights the effects of climate change on allergies, autoimmunity and the microbiome

Climate change and disruption of the ecosystem have the potential to profoundly impact the human body. Xue Ming, professor of neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, who recently published a paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health on the effects of climate change on allergies, autoimmunity and the microbiome -- the beneficial microorganisms that live on and inside the human body -- discusses how the delicate balance of the environment affects conditions such as allergies, autism and immune disorders.

6 Aug 2020

Machine learning can increase effectiveness of drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders

Artificial intelligence can increase the effectiveness of drug repositioning or repurposing research, according to a study published in Translational Psychiatry.

4 Aug 2020

New algorithm can decolonize harmful gut bacteria

The human gut may not be recollected frequently, but it is home to a complex ecosystem of microbes that have a significant role to play in the way human beings function.

4 Aug 2020

Novel therapeutics targeting primary cilia may reverse neurodevelopmental disorders

Primary cilia are structures that act like antennas for cells to identify signals and occur less in mice affected by Fragile X syndrome since birth.

31 Jul 2020

Researchers identify the role of calcium channel subunits in synapse development

The ability of the human brain to process and store information is determined to a large extent by the connectivity between nerve cells. Chemical synapses are very important in this context as they constitute the interface for the transmission of information between individual nerve cells.

23 Jul 2020

Substances that target oxytocin receptors can help treat various diseases

Oxytocin is the so-called “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” that plays a role in strengthening the relationship between the mother and child and controlling social bonding.

17 Jul 2020