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Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 5, 2019·4 min read

Gender-biased protein may play role in autism: Mouse study

204 proteins discovered were more highly regulated in females than males, with 31% of the proteins being associated with the development of Autism, researchers report. Findings shed new light on why males are at higher risk of ASD than females.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 2, 2019·3 min read

Viral infections during pregnancy linked to behavioral abnormalities in offspring: Rat study

Females offspring whose mothers experienced maternal immune activation while pregnant displayed an array of behavioral abnormalities associated with schizophrenia.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2019·3 min read

20 novel genes associated with bipolar disorder identified

A study of more than 50,000 patients with bipolar disorder in 14 countries helped researchers identify 20 new genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder. Eight of the genes also had an association with an increased risk for schizophrenia. ASD and anorexia, it was discovered, also had genetic ties to bipolar depression.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 30, 2019·4 min read

Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study

A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory.

This shows a child sitting by a beautiful lake

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 29, 2019·5 min read

Autism diagnoses prove highly stable as early as 14 months

Autism diagnosis becomes stable starting at 14 months of age, researchers report. The accurate diagnosis of ASD, four months earlier than previously believed, leads to more opportunities for early interventions.

This showa a child looking at a DNA strand

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 29, 2019·5 min read

Study links gene to sleep problems in autism

Deficiencies in the SHANK3 gene have been linked to sleep disruptions in both mouse models and people with ASD. Researchers found patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with autism, report trouble falling, and staying asleep. In mouse models, animals lacking the SHANK3 gene had a reduction in deep sleep quality and spent more time awake when other mice were sleeping.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·April 27, 2019·2 min read

New research reviews the state of vaccine safety science

Researchers will present a systematic review of scientific evidence for, and against causal associations for 47 proposed adverse events following immunizations at PAS 2019. The review found that, for 12 of the 47 AEFIs in the study, a causal relationship has been established with at least one vaccine. With the exception of deltoid bursitis, where a vaccine is administered incorrectly, causing pain to the arm, the adverse reactions are very rare. For the other 35 AEFis, the evidence does not support a causal relationship between conditions, such as ASD, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or SIDs, and vaccinations.

This shows the lead research looking after a baby in a neonatal ward

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2019·3 min read

Placental function linked to brain injuries associated with autism

Disruptions in the supply of allopregnanolone, a hormone created by the placenta late in pregnancy, to the developing fetus can leave children more vulnerable to brain injuries associated with ASD. Losing the supply of ALLO alters cerebellar development, an area of the brain critical for motor coordination and social cognition, impacting the post-birth development of cerebellar white matter. An experimental model revealed deficient cerebellar white matter resulted in social impairments and an increase in repetitive behaviors, two hallmark features associated with autism.

kids are playing on a swing in this image

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 26, 2019·3 min read

MMR vaccine and autism link debunked again: MMR vaccine reduces ASD risk in subgroup of girls

Another new study refutes claims of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The study reports no link has been found between MMR and an increased autism risk, even in children with other risk factors for ASD. Researchers also reported, in a subgroup of girls, the MMR vaccine reduced the risk of autism by between 16% and 21%. No link was found between other vaccinations, such as Hib and DTaP, and an increased risk of ASD.

This is a diagram of a pregnant woman and shows the brain scans with the deficient networks

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 26, 2019·5 min read

No safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy

Teenagers who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb are more likely to have disruptions in neural connections through the corpus callosum, which can lead to cognitive impairment and a range of neurological, and psychological disorders. Researchers recommend pregnant women completely abstain from drinking alcohol.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 26, 2019·4 min read

Gene repair improves memory and seizures in adult autism model

Researchers genetically restored levels of the SynGAP protein in adult mice who were deficient. Restoring the protein levels resulted in improved memory and a reduction in seizures related to the SYNGAP1 disorder, a form of autism. Findings suggest it is possible to extend the window of treatment for those with this specific form of ASD, beyond infancy and into adulthood.