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.

KAIST researchers identify mechanism underlying plasticity in adult brains

Developing brains constantly sprout new neuronal connections called synapses as they learn and remember. Important connections — the ones that are repeatedly introduced, such as how to avoid danger — are nurtured and reinforced, while connections deemed unnecessary are pruned away.

28 Dec 2020

Researchers create 3D miniature organs that precisely mimic human tissues

Organoids are tissues that look like organs and are extracted from stem cells cultured in laboratories. They are usually known as miniature organs.

21 Dec 2020

Researchers test effects of weedkiller on wildlife

Prolonged exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the weedkiller Roundup causes significant harm to keystone species according to new research at the University of Birmingham.

16 Dec 2020

Microglia surveillance helps prevent seizure activity in the brain

An important part of the brain's immune system, cells called microglia constantly extend and retract "branches" from their cell body to survey their environment.

15 Dec 2020

Researchers develop new tool to study genes associated with autism spectrum disorder

Researchers have developed technology to analyze the function of different types of genes found in many types of cells in a living organism, at the same time.

1 Dec 2020

Scientists identify key source of sensory perception

The brain encodes information collected by our senses. However, to perceive our environment and to constructively interact with it, these sensory signals need to be interpreted in the context of our previous experiences and current aims.

17 Nov 2020

Bacterial microbes in the human gut could help diagnose and treat autism spectrum disorder

Every year, 1 out of 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and the count has been increasing, reports the Centers for Disease Research.

16 Nov 2020

Astrocytes regulate inhibitory synapses by binding to neurons

In the orchestra of the brain, the firing of each neuron is controlled by two notes--excitatory and inhibitory-- that come from two distinct forms of a cellular structure called synapses.

16 Nov 2020

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