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.
Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI, headed by Suh Pann-ghill) announced on the 11th that the research team led by Dr. Mun Ji-young revealed the mechanism of autism induced by an imbalance of human gut microorganisms.
Brain function depends on inhibitory cells that balance or 'brake' excitation. These neurons allow the brain to process information and also prevent runaway seizures.
Osteoclasts are bone-dissolving cells that are extracted from a type of immune cell referred to as macrophages which are required for the maintenance of bones.
Researchers are not clear whether mucus is the first line of defense against bad bacteria in the human gut.
A study analyzing data from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) found that only 3% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder reported having fully received clinical genetic tests recommended by medical professional societies.
Autism has long been associated only with behavioral and environmental factors, but the role of genetics in its development is now increasingly evident. Some 100 genes have been found to play a role in autism spectrum disorder, and another thousand are being studied to the same end.
The human gut microbiota consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses constituting an inner chemical factory producing a multitude of microbial compounds.
About 350 years ago, Robert Hooke provided an initial description of a cell in Micrographia, and since then, microscopy has played a major role in figuring out life’s rules.
In a study published recently in the eLife journal, researchers have reported that the combined effects of rare and damaging mutations that occur at birth itself have adverse effects on health span and longevity.
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.