Duke University Medical Center

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 27, 2019·4 min read

Gene linked to autism undergoes changes in men’s sperm after cannabis use

Marijuana use alters a gene associated with autism in sperm. Hypomethylation was identified in the DLGAP2 gene in the sperm of male rats exposed to THC. The hypomethylated state was also detected in the forebrains of their offspring. Further research is needed to establish if there is a definitive link between paternal cannabis use and ASD in humans.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 28, 2019·5 min read

As plaque deposits increase in the aging brain, money management falters

Older adults who experience problems completing simple financial tasks, such as calculating their change, may be at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Problems with financial management have often been associated with later stage dementia. A new study reveals this could be one of the earliest signs of dementia and may be correlated with a build-up of amyloid plaque deposits.

A side by side comparison of areas of eye blood vessels is shown. The eye from the Alzheimer's patient shows a large area with fewer blood vessels.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 11, 2019·3 min read

Could an eye doctor diagnose Alzheimer’s before you have symptoms?

A new study suggests the loss of blood vessels in the retina could signal Alzheimer’s disease.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 5, 2017·4 min read

The Harmful Effects of Second Hand Smoke Even Before Pregnancy: Mouse Study

Even prior to pregnancy, a mother's exposure to second hand smoke can have implications for the brain development of her offspring, including damage to areas of the brain associated with emotion, memory and learning.