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brain development

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2019·2 min read

Breastfeeding boosts metabolites important for brain growth

Preterm babies who were fed breastmilk had significantly higher levels of creatine and choline, key metabolites for brain growth and development, than those who were formula fed.

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 Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 26, 2019·3 min read

Changes from head injuries associated with increases in youth offending

Head injuries have been associated with an increase in violent offences and prolonged periods of criminal persistence in young offenders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2019·4 min read

Hypersociability in Williams syndrome result of Myelination deficits

Myelin thickness and oligodendrocytes were significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex in mouse models of Williams syndrome.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 24, 2019·3 min read

Proteins stand up to nerve cell regression

Study reveals the critical and novel roles Integrator complex proteins play in promoting healthy brain development in flies.

This shows two heads and networked lines

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 19, 2019·3 min read

Behavioral disorders in kids with autism linked to reduced brain connectivity

Reduced connectivity between the amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex has been identified in children on the autism spectrum who exhibit disruptive behaviors, compared to those on the spectrum who do not. Findings suggest this distinct brain network could be independent of core autism symptoms.