Children born to mothers who experienced immune disorders during pregnancy, including allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and autoinflammatory syndromes, are more likely to exhibit behavioral and emotional problems. The child's sex may interact with maternal immune conditions to influence the outcome of ASD symptoms. While maternal immune disorders were associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children on the autism spectrum, there was no association with reduced cognitive function.
Researchers report animals with previous conditioned experiences form memories using different plasticity mechanisms to naive subjects, even if they are about to learn the same thing.
A new PNAS study reveals typically developing children experience neurogenesis in the amygdala as they become adults. However, for those with autism, the amygdala loses neurons as they age.
In addition to having implications for personal health, sugar sweetened drinks may have addictive properties, researchers report. The study found when abstaining from drinking sweetened drinks, people who consume them often experience increased headaches, decreased motivation and a lower ability to concentrate.
A distinct DNA methylation signature has been discovered in cord blood of children who are later diagnosed with autism. The findings could provide a new biomarker for early detection and intervention for ASD.
Increased levels of epoxide hydrolase in the prefrontal cortex were found in the brains of young mice whose mothers had suffered infection during pregnancy. Inhibiting epoxide hydrolase reverses cognitive and social deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD.