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developmental neuroscience

·July 17, 2012·4 min read

Researchers Find Evidence of Link between Immune Irregularities and Autism

A new Caltech study suggests that specific changes in an overactive immune system can indeed contribute to autism-like behaviors in mice, and that in some cases, this activation can be related to what a developing fetus experiences in the womb.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 16, 2012·2 min read

Gene Therapy Treatment Extends Lives of Mice with Fatal Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Mice born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy typically only live five to six days. University of Missouri researchers introduced the SMN gene into the mice’s central nervous systems and were able to extend their lives 10-25 days longer.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 16, 2012·3 min read

Neurons Derived from Cord Blood Cells May Represent New Therapeutic Option

The researchers demonstrated that cord blood cells, which come from the mesoderm, the middle layer of embryonic germ cells, can be switched to ectodermal cells, outer layer cells from which brain, spinal and nerve cells arise. "This study shows for the first time the direct conversion of a pure population of human cord blood cells into cells of neuronal lineage by the forced expression of a single transcription factor," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte.

Autism Featured

·July 12, 2012·2 min read

Saliva, Pupil Size Differences in Autism Show System in Overdrive

Pupil size and salivary alpha-amylase could be biological indicators for autonomic dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 10, 2012·4 min read

Study Shows the Deaf Brain Processes Touch Differently

Lacking sound input, the primary auditory cortex “feels” touch. The finding reveals how the early loss of a sense affects brain development. It adds to a growing list of discoveries that confirm the impact of experiences and outside influences in molding the developing brain.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 9, 2012·3 min read

Pediatric Tumors Traced to Stem Cells in Developing Brain

Scientists showed in mice that disabling a gene linked to a common pediatric tumor disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), made stem cells from one part of the brain proliferate rapidly. But the same genetic deficit had no effect on stem cells from another brain region.

Genetics

·July 5, 2012·3 min read

Scientists Identify Gene Linked to Facial, Skull and Cognitive Impairment

A gene whose mutation results in malformed faces and skulls as well as mental retardation has been found by scientists.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 2, 2012·3 min read

DNA Sequenced for Parrot’s Ability to Parrot

Scientists say they have assembled more completely the string of genetic letters that could control how well parrots learn to imitate their owners and other sounds by using single molecule sequencing.

Autism Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 2, 2012·3 min read

Researchers Report Success in Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder

Using cyclocreatine, researchers successfully treated an autism spectrum disorder known as creatine transporter deficiency in a mouse model of autism.