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University of Utah

·November 23, 2022·5 min read

Gene That Guides Earliest Social Behaviors Could Be Key to Understanding Autism

The TOP2a gene controls a network of genes that contribute to ASD. Drugs that suppress TOP2a during development can turn on a cluster of other genes that disrupt brain development and increase autism risks. Alterations to the TOP2a gene may be responsible for the social behavioral difficulties associated with ASD.

This shows a woman performing mindful meditation

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 22, 2022·5 min read

Mindfulness Training Provides a Natural High

Mindful meditation can produce a healthy altered state of consciousness in the treatment of those with addiction problems.

This shows an organoid cerebral cortex slice

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 6, 2022·5 min read

Brain Organoids Provide a Window Into Autism

Investigating the effects of genetic abnormalities associated with autism and human brain development, researchers found brain organoids engineered to have lower levels of the ASD-associated SHANK3 gene had distinct features including neural firing hyperactivity, disruptions in pathways that cause cells to adhere to each other, and indications of ineffective neurotransmission.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 14, 2022·4 min read

This Fungus Shrinks in Size to Better Infect the Brain

Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes fungal meningitis, shrinks as it travels through the body and acquires the characteristics that allow the infection to spread.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 21, 2022·7 min read

Introducing a Protocol for Using Robotic Pets in Memory Care

The benefits of animal therapy for memory and mental health are well documented. Some agencies are using realistic robotic pets as a therapeutic tool for memory care in older adults. Now, researchers have developed a new protocol for the use of robotic animals to aid in memory care.

This shows the isolated Campana cell in a mouse retina

Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Visual Neuroscience

·November 1, 2021·3 min read

New Type of Nerve Cell in the Retina Discovered

A new type of neuron in the mammalian retina has been discovered. The new cell, named the Campana cell, appears to relay visual signals to both rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina, however, their precise purpose is not yet known.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·November 28, 2020·5 min read

Genetic Discovery Could Lead to Better Prediction of Suicide Risk Within Families

Study ties twenty genes into suicidal behaviors that span generations of families.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 19, 2020·5 min read

The rate we acquire genetic mutations could help predict lifespan and fertility

Young adults who acquire fewer genetic mutations over time lived five years longer than those who acquired them more rapidly.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 22, 2019·4 min read

A link between unique brain cells and OCD and anxiety

Mice with dysfunctional Hoxb8-lineage microglia exhibited excessive overgrooming behaviors that resemble trichotillomania in humans. Female sex hormones also caused more severe OCD-like behaviors and increased anxiety in the mouse models.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 20, 2019·4 min read

Changes associated with autism risk my be detected during second trimester of pregnancy

Increased estrogen activity during the second trimester of pregnancy could be a new, early biomarker for autism.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 10, 2018·4 min read

Giddy for the Sound: Why Some People Get Dizzy Hearing Certain Sounds

Researchers report the dizzying effect experienced by those who suffer from Tullio phenomena occurs when sound generates pathological fluid mechanical waves in the semicircular canals of the ear.

Image shows a dad holding his daughter's hand.

Featured Psychology

·May 18, 2017·5 min read

Study of Sisters Helps Explain Dad’s Influence on Risky Sexual Behavior

A new study reveals that genes aren't the only factor in female sexual behavior, the quality of the father and daughter relationship also plays a role.