Autism

Latest

Autism

·August 5, 2020·4 min read

How a Gene Alteration Modifies Social Behavior in Autism

Researchers have uncovered a link between the Nlgn3 gene and the oxytocin signaling pathway in mouse models of ASD. Nlgn3 disrupts the oxytocin signaling pathway in neurons in the reward system, consequentially resulting in reduced social interactions in mice. Read More

Autism Featured Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 4, 2020·4 min read

Greater Excitability in Social Brain Regions of Autistic Men Compared to Women

Males with autism have atypically enhanced excitation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). This area of the brain is associated with social cognition and self-reflection. Autistic women showed a more intact mPFC response, which was associated with a better ability to camouflage social difficulties in real-world settings. Read More

Autism Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 28, 2020·5 min read

Experimental Drug for Alzheimer’s May Help Children With Autism

Children suffering from a form of autism called ADNP syndrome may benefit from an experimental drug designed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Read More

This shows the neurons mapped in the TRN

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·July 22, 2020·6 min read

Mapping the Brain’s Sensory Gatekeeper

Mapping the thalamic reticular nucleus, researchers have identified two distinct subnetworks of neurons with different functions. Findings offer insight into more specific targets for therapeutics to alleviate some sensory, sleep, and attention symptoms associated with ASD and other disorders characterized by sensory hypersensitivity. Read More

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 14, 2020·4 min read

Autism Researchers Map Brain Circuitry of Social Preference

Study reveals how two neural circuits dictate the choice between social approach and avoidance. The network connecting the infralimbic cortex to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impairs social behavior if there is a decrease in neural activity. Another network connecting the prelimbic cortex to the BLA similarly impairs social behavior if the neural activity is increased. Read More

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·July 13, 2020·5 min read

Vascular Development May Be At Risk in Autism

Early developmental deficits in the formation of the brain's blood vessels cause autistic traits in mouse models of ASD. Read More

This shows a child playing with building blocks

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 7, 2020·4 min read

Sensory Neurons Outside the Brain Drive Autistic Social Behaviors

The loss of the protein neurofibromin 1 (NF1) in adult male flies resulted in social impairments. The deficits were traced back to a primary disruption in a small group of peripheral neurons which control external stimuli, including touch and smell, that communicate to the brain. Read More

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 24, 2020·4 min read

Unexpected mental illnesses found in a spectrum of a rare genetic disorder

Fragile X syndrome patients with prematuration had a much earlier onset of neurological problems, including earlier symptoms of neurodegeneration. They also experienced emotional processing problems. Some of the most common emotional processing disorders reported were mood regulation, anxiety, and psychosis. Read More

Autism Featured Genetics

·June 24, 2020·4 min read

New genetic mutations linked to ASD discovered

Mutations of the CNOT1 gene affect brain development, impairing memory, and learning. The CNOT1 gene also interacts with several known autism-related genes. Read More

Autism Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 18, 2020·5 min read

Unique metabolic markers detect over 50% of children affected by ASD

Blood samples reveal unique metabolic signatures in over 50% of children on the autism spectrum. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·June 18, 2020·4 min read

How chandelier cells light up the brain

Chandelier cells have an unusual direct method of communication. Unlike other neurons, chandelier cells connect directly to the part of a target neuron that initiates a spike. Read More