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Autism

·December 12, 2024·4 min read

Emotional Memory Cells Driving Empathy Discovered

Researchers have uncovered a brain mechanism in the prefrontal cortex that determines how animals respond to others’ emotions based on their own past experiences. These neurons, producing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), act as emotional memories, modulating responses to socio-emotional stimuli.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 9, 2024·6 min read

Why Autistic Children View Faces Differently

Children with autism exhibit distinct eye movement patterns when viewing faces, particularly in the initial stages of visual processing. A new study found that autistic children are more likely to use an exploratory eye movement pattern, focusing on broader areas rather than immediately fixating on facial features. This behavior may be linked to reduced visual sensitivity to social cues and is associated with autism-related challenges in social communication.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·6 min read

Gene Defect Linked Brain Size and Social Behavior in ASD, Schizophrenia

A new study reveals how genetic deficits, particularly in the Tbx1 gene, are linked to reduced brain volume and altered social behavior, findings relevant to autism and schizophrenia. Researchers observed smaller amygdala volumes in Tbx1-deficient mice, a brain region key to emotional regulation and social behavior. These mice displayed less interest in social interaction, relying more on non-social cues like bedding preferences.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 5, 2024·7 min read

Missing Genetic Link Uncovered in Idiopathic Autism

Researchers have uncovered a molecular mechanism linking alterations in the neuronal protein CPEB4 to idiopathic autism, which accounts for 80% of autism cases without a clear genetic cause. The study reveals that the absence of a specific microexon in CPEB4 disrupts the dynamics of molecular condensates in neurons, affecting the regulation of genes crucial for brain development. This disruption can lead to reduced protein production, impairing neuronal growth and function.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·November 21, 2024·4 min read

Immune System Gene Linked to Hyperactivity, ADHD and Autism

Researchers have uncovered a link between the immune gene regulator STAT1 and hyperactive behaviors in mice, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. STAT1, vital for infection response, also influences brain cell activity, particularly dopamine neurons involved in motivation and learning. In mice with prolonged STAT1 signaling, hyperactivity and reduced neural activity in key brain regions were observed. The study opens the door to targeting STAT1 for potential therapies to address neurobehavioral disorders.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 20, 2024·6 min read

Gene Repair Restores Brain Signal Efficiency in Autism

Autism-linked SHANK3 gene mutations disrupt not only neurons but also oligodendrocytes, essential for producing myelin, which insulates nerve fibers. This damage reduces brain signal efficiency and impairs behavior. Using gene therapy, researchers successfully repaired these cells in a mouse model, restoring their function and myelin production. They validated their findings with human-derived stem cells, confirming similar impairments and repair mechanisms.

This shows a pregnant woman with a mask on.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 13, 2024·3 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Autism Risk During Developmental Stages

A new review highlights how air pollution, particularly fine particles and nitrogen oxides, can elevate autism risk by disrupting critical brain development processes. Key mechanisms, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter disruptions, reveal how prenatal and early childhood exposure impact neurological health. Small particles, such as PM2.5, can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal brain development, especially for genetically predisposed individuals.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 31, 2024·4 min read

How Autistic Traits Influence Exploration and Learning

People with stronger autistic traits exhibit distinct and highly effective exploration patterns, according to a new study. These individuals tend to persist longer in curiosity-driven tasks, leading to better overall performance. In the study, participants with higher autistic traits explored consistently, even when faced with challenging learning environments, while those with lower traits engaged more briefly. This prolonged exploration allowed the higher-trait participants to achieve better learning outcomes.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 25, 2024·8 min read

Autistic Children’s Fascination with Letters Offers Learning Clues

A recent study highlights that many autistic children show an intense interest in letters and numbers, which may play a distinct role in their language development. By analyzing clinical records and interviewing parents, researchers found that 37% of autistic children had a strong interest in letters, in contrast to just 3% of non-autistic peers. This interest often emerges around 30 months, aligning with typical development timelines but diverging in how it's applied.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 24, 2024·6 min read

In-Utero Gene Editing Could Halt Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A new study has developed a breakthrough biomedical tool that can deliver genetic material to edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. Tested in mice, this technology offers the potential to stop the progression of neurodevelopmental conditions, like Angelman and Rett syndromes, before birth.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 24, 2024·6 min read

Stem Cell Mini-Brains Unlock Insights into Autism

Researchers have created "mini-brains" using stem cells from patients with a rare form of autism, allowing them to study brain development in detail. These organoids revealed how a genetic mutation in MEF2C disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, leading to autism.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 24, 2024·6 min read

Infant Sleep Loss Linked to Brain Development Problems

New research shows that sleep deprivation during early development disrupts brain function, impacting neuron growth and synapse formation. The study found that young mice lacking sleep did not experience the “sleep rebound” seen in adults, leading to lasting deficits in social behavior and memory.