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Autism

·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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

Cerebellum Plays Key Role in Social and Cognitive Abilities

The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor functions, also plays a vital role in social and cognitive abilities, according to new research. Abnormalities in this brain region not only impair movement but are linked to emotional and behavioral issues, particularly in autism.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·4 min read

Autism Risk in Males Linked to Y Chromosome

New research suggests that the Y chromosome may be responsible for the higher prevalence of autism in males, shifting focus away from protective factors on the X chromosome. Analyzing genetic data, researchers found that individuals with an additional Y chromosome were twice as likely to have an autism diagnosis, while an extra X chromosome had no effect on autism risk.

This shows a pregnant woman and a brain.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 17, 2024·4 min read

Folic Acid Reduces Lead’s Impact on Autism Risk

A study has shown that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the link between maternal blood lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. By examining data from pregnant women and their toddlers, researchers found stronger associations between lead exposure and autism traits in cases of low folic acid intake.

This shows a brain puzzle with missing pieces.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·3 min read

Imaging Links Fewer Brain Connections to Autism Social Challenges

A recent study used PET imaging to examine synaptic connections in autistic and non-autistic adults, marking the first time this technology was applied to autism research. Findings show autistic adults have fewer synapses, or connections between brain cells, which closely relates to social and communicative differences in autism.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·5 min read

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Researchers have found a link between two human-specific genes and the gene SYNGAP1, a factor in intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. These genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, slow down synapse development, a hallmark of prolonged brain growth thought to enhance learning in humans. By turning off these genes in human neurons, scientists observed accelerated brain connectivity development, mimicking changes seen in certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Newly Discovered Protein Complex Shapes Synapses and Mental Health

Researchers have identified a protein complex, TrkC-PTPσ, that plays a key role in the structural organization of synapses in the brain, impacting cognitive behaviors. By studying this complex, scientists uncovered how it regulates synaptic protein phosphorylation, essential for healthy brain function. Disruptions in this protein complex led to anxiety-like behaviors in mice, providing insights into mental health conditions like anxiety and autism.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 9, 2024·6 min read

3D Gene Regulation Map Sheds Light on Brain Development

Researchers have developed the first 3D map of gene regulation in the human brain, offering insights into how early brain development influences lifelong mental health. This map, focusing on regions tied to memory and emotional regulation, reveals how chromatin structure controls gene activity, especially during key developmental stages.

This shows a child looking at brain scans.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 9, 2024·5 min read

Neuron Density Differences in Autistic Children’s Brains

New research reveals that children with autism have varying neuron densities in certain brain regions compared to their peers. Using advanced imaging from the ABCD study, scientists observed lower neuron density in regions associated with memory and problem-solving, while regions like the amygdala showed higher neuron density.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 7, 2024·4 min read

Uncovering Genetic Links to Psychiatric Disorders in the Brain

Scientists have identified how genetic variants influence the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. Using live neural cells and DNA sequencing, researchers discovered thousands of "non-coding" genetic variants with context-dependent functions, activated during brain development.