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.

Characterizing the transcription profile of microglia in a mouse model

Researchers from Tohoku University have now shown that the consolidation and extinction of contextual fear conditioning alter the microglial genes connected to the synapse—structures that permit neurons to communicate with one another.

13 Sep 2022

Brain cells with the same birthdate display distinct connectivity

According to a recent study, brain cells with the same “birthdate” are more likely to connect into cooperative signaling circuits that perform a variety of tasks, including memory storage.

From New York University (NYU) 25 Aug 2022

UCLA researchers receive NIH award to develop next-generation versions of miniature microscope

The UCLA creators of a miniature microscope that can be mounted on the heads of lab animals to provide an invaluable view into the brain's inner workings have received a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop next-generation versions of their "miniscope."

9 Aug 2022

Research outlines how stem cells become sensory interneurons

In a first-of-its-kind blueprint, scientists have shown how stem cells mature into sensory interneurons, which are responsible for feelings including touch, pain, and itching.

22 Jul 2022

Researchers discover key cells that control interaction in parts of the brain

A research group from MedUni Vienna’s Center for Brain Research has identified key cells that control data communication between parts of the brain.

18 Jul 2022

Research identifies the main gene that causes developmental disability syndrome

A single gene that was previously discovered to be the main factor in a rare disease associated with epilepsy, autism, and developmental delay has been named as a key player in the development of healthy neurons.

1 Jul 2022

Researchers determine small protein’s structure, likely to pave the way for advanced treatments

For the first time, researchers have deciphered the atomic structure of a protein that transports one of the body’s most vital neurotransmitters into neurons.

9 Jun 2022

A novel mechanism shared by mutations in varied genes could help treat neurological diseases

Researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by Prof. Illana Gozes from the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, have unraveled a mechanism shared by mutations in the genes ADNP and SHANK3, which cause autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions.

25 May 2022

Scientists reveal how autism-linked genetic mutation disrupts neural development using mini-brains

In a study published May 02, 2022 in Nature Communications, scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine used human brain organoids to reveal how a genetic mutation associated with a profound form of autism disrupts neural development.

From UC San Diego 3 May 2022

Astrocyte abnormalities may play a pivotal role in causing ASD symptoms

Abnormalities in a type of brain cell called astrocytes may play a pivotal role in causing some behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

22 Apr 2022

Researchers discover how new techniques may alter the synaptic connection of neurons

The brain has the potential to change the way neurons communicate with one another. That is how it prevents out-of-control brain activity. Scientists have discovered a mechanism that plays a key role in this.

21 Apr 2022

Genomics provides a deeper understanding of the cause of hydrocephalus

The cerebral ventricles—four linked cavities of the brain that are packed with cerebrospinal fluid—become enlarged in hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain;” however, the cause is unknown in many instances.

20 Apr 2022

Researchers discover 15 genetic 'hotspots' that speed up or slow down brain aging

Researchers from a USC-led consortium have discovered 15 "hotspots" in the genome that either speed up brain aging or slow it down -; a finding that could provide new drug targets to resist Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain disorders, as well as developmental delays.

6 Apr 2022

New project receives over $700,000 to study about CHARGE syndrome

CHARGE syndrome, which affects approximately one in 10,000 newborns worldwide, is associated with neurological and behavioral conditions like intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder, convulsions, and autism.

1 Apr 2022

Gene mutation influences autism development, study finds

A research team discovered that interruption of a circadian clock gene may be implicated in the formation of autism spectrum disorder.

25 Mar 2022

Insight into oligodendrocyte cells could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases

New research may help scientists locate immature cells in the central nervous system that could shed light on the causes of neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis-;and autoimmune disease that affects the brain and nervous system-;and allow for the development of better therapeutic treatments.

14 Mar 2022

Autism News and Research

Characterizing the transcription profile of microglia in a mouse model

Brain cells with the same birthdate display distinct connectivity

UCLA researchers receive NIH award to develop next-generation versions of miniature microscope

Research outlines how stem cells become sensory interneurons

Researchers discover key cells that control interaction in parts of the brain

Research identifies the main gene that causes developmental disability syndrome

Researchers determine small protein’s structure, likely to pave the way for advanced treatments

A novel mechanism shared by mutations in varied genes could help treat neurological diseases

Scientists reveal how autism-linked genetic mutation disrupts neural development using mini-brains

Astrocyte abnormalities may play a pivotal role in causing ASD symptoms

Researchers discover how new techniques may alter the synaptic connection of neurons

Genomics provides a deeper understanding of the cause of hydrocephalus

Researchers discover 15 genetic 'hotspots' that speed up or slow down brain aging

New project receives over $700,000 to study about CHARGE syndrome

Gene mutation influences autism development, study finds

Insight into oligodendrocyte cells could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases

Inclusive new tool for genomic research boosts efforts to develop more precise treatments for diseases

Microglia help neurons grow synapses critical to cognitive functioning, research finds

Researchers develop a method for preserving human primordial germ cell-like cells

Three proteins as potential new therapeutic targets in movement disorders

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