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.
Using electrodes smaller than a human hair, researchers are able to connect mind to machine and interact with the human brain in revolutionary ways.
The prefrontal cortex of the human brain experiences a wider spectrum of developmental activity right from early prenatal development until childhood.
The cerebral cortex is important for memory, thinking, attention, and information processing. It is an outer, folded, and comparatively thin “gray matter” layer of the brain.
Scientists have recently discovered large mutations that may explain diverse outcomes from autism genes and this story investigates further.
Researchers at the Stanford School of Engineering have designed a technique for reprogramming cells to use synthetic materials, which the team provides, to create artificial structures that can perform functions within the body.
During the developmental phase of brains, a number of moving parts occur—and if mutations occur during the early neurodevelopment, it can result in disorders such as autism and macrocephaly.
Researchers have shown that mutations in four distinct genes that lead to Kleefstra syndrome.