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Autism

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 30, 2025·3 min read

Tiny RNA Mark Helps Explain Brain Wiring and Mental Disorders

New research reveals how a tiny chemical mark on RNA helps wire the brain during development. Scientists discovered that m6A methylation regulates the production of proteins essential for axon growth, including APC and β-actin.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 28, 2025·6 min read

One Gene Rewires Fear Circuits and Fuels Anxiety

Researchers have uncovered how losing the autism-linked gene PTEN in a specific set of inhibitory neurons reshapes brain circuits tied to fear and anxiety. Using advanced circuit-mapping techniques, they found that deleting PTEN in somatostatin-expressing neurons of the amygdala disrupted local inhibition by 50% while strengthening excitatory input from nearby brain regions.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 25, 2025·5 min read

Shared Genetic Roots of Autism and Heart Disease Found

New research reveals that autism and congenital heart disease may share a common biological basis—tiny cellular structures called cilia. Scientists found that mutations in genes affecting cilia formation disrupt both brain and heart development, helping explain why the two conditions often co-occur.

This shows the outline of two boys and leaves.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·June 23, 2025·4 min read

CBD Shows Promise in Easing Behavior Challenges in Autism

Summary: A new clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and potentially helpful in reducing problematic behaviors in boys with severe autism. While broad behavioral measures showed no significant differences from placebo, clinicians observed meaningful improvements in aggression, hyperactivity, and communication in many children taking CBD.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 20, 2025·3 min read

New Autism Data Reveals Insights Into Profound Cases

Researchers have released genetic and behavioral data from over 1,500 children and adolescents with autism who were hospitalized in psychiatric units across the U.S. This group, often representing those with profound autism—marked by minimal language and high support needs—has been largely missing from previous datasets.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 13, 2025·3 min read

Different Autism Genes, Same Brain Signature

New research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings in preclinical models, scientists observed that autism-linked mutations affected how expectations are updated during decision-making.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 11, 2025·5 min read

Hidden Protein Defects Behind Autism Identified

Researchers have created a standardized mouse stem cell library containing 63 genetic variants strongly linked to autism spectrum disorder. Using CRISPR gene editing, the team generated mice and diverse tissues from these modified cells, allowing them to model autism at both the cellular and organismal level.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·June 8, 2025·5 min read

Listening to the Voices of Autism

A massive study of over 700,000 Reddit posts has given researchers a unique window into the lived experiences of autistic individuals, revealing a focus on community, personal interests, and coping strategies. Using natural language processing, the team grouped posts into recurring themes like music, food, friendships, and emotional challenges.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 2, 2025·4 min read

Board Game Helps Autistic Players Express Emotions Through Images

A new study finds that the storytelling board game Dixit may help people with autism express their thoughts and emotions. By selecting from illustrated cards, players can convey personal experiences and discuss complex topics like identity, anxiety, and social misunderstanding.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 29, 2025·5 min read

Link Found Between Autism and Early-Onset Parkinson’s Risk

A large-scale Swedish study has found that individuals with autism are at significantly higher risk of developing early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Researchers followed over two million people and discovered that those with autism were four times more likely to develop the neurodegenerative condition before age 50.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2025·6 min read

Early Autism Traits Show No Sex Differences in Toddlers

A large-scale study of over 2,500 toddlers found no significant clinical differences in autistic traits between males and females at the time of early diagnosis. Conducted over two decades, the study used comprehensive assessments across language, motor skills, cognitive traits, and social behaviors.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 22, 2025·5 min read

DNA Methylation in Serotonin Center Offers New Clues to Autism

A new study has uncovered abnormal DNA methylation patterns in the dorsal raphe—an area of the brain critical for serotonin signaling—in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing postmortem brain samples, researchers identified epigenetic changes in key genes linked to sensory perception, serotonin regulation, and synaptic function.