AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·June 30, 2025·3 min readTiny RNA Mark Helps Explain Brain Wiring and Mental DisordersNew research reveals how a tiny chemical mark on RNA helps wire the brain during development. Scientists discovered that m6A methylation regulates the production of proteins essential for axon growth, including APC and β-actin.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·June 25, 2025·5 min readShared Genetic Roots of Autism and Heart Disease FoundNew research reveals that autism and congenital heart disease may share a common biological basis—tiny cellular structures called cilia. Scientists found that mutations in genes affecting cilia formation disrupt both brain and heart development, helping explain why the two conditions often co-occur.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·June 23, 2025·4 min readCBD Shows Promise in Easing Behavior Challenges in AutismSummary: A new clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and potentially helpful in reducing problematic behaviors in boys with severe autism. While broad behavioral measures showed no significant differences from placebo, clinicians observed meaningful improvements in aggression, hyperactivity, and communication in many children taking CBD.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 20, 2025·3 min readNew Autism Data Reveals Insights Into Profound CasesResearchers have released genetic and behavioral data from over 1,500 children and adolescents with autism who were hospitalized in psychiatric units across the U.S. This group, often representing those with profound autism—marked by minimal language and high support needs—has been largely missing from previous datasets.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 13, 2025·3 min readDifferent Autism Genes, Same Brain SignatureNew research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings in preclinical models, scientists observed that autism-linked mutations affected how expectations are updated during decision-making.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 11, 2025·5 min readHidden Protein Defects Behind Autism IdentifiedResearchers have created a standardized mouse stem cell library containing 63 genetic variants strongly linked to autism spectrum disorder. Using CRISPR gene editing, the team generated mice and diverse tissues from these modified cells, allowing them to model autism at both the cellular and organismal level.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·June 8, 2025·5 min readListening to the Voices of AutismA massive study of over 700,000 Reddit posts has given researchers a unique window into the lived experiences of autistic individuals, revealing a focus on community, personal interests, and coping strategies. Using natural language processing, the team grouped posts into recurring themes like music, food, friendships, and emotional challenges.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 2, 2025·4 min readBoard Game Helps Autistic Players Express Emotions Through ImagesA new study finds that the storytelling board game Dixit may help people with autism express their thoughts and emotions. By selecting from illustrated cards, players can convey personal experiences and discuss complex topics like identity, anxiety, and social misunderstanding.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 29, 2025·5 min readLink Found Between Autism and Early-Onset Parkinson’s RiskA large-scale Swedish study has found that individuals with autism are at significantly higher risk of developing early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Researchers followed over two million people and discovered that those with autism were four times more likely to develop the neurodegenerative condition before age 50.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·May 27, 2025·6 min readEarly Autism Traits Show No Sex Differences in ToddlersA large-scale study of over 2,500 toddlers found no significant clinical differences in autistic traits between males and females at the time of early diagnosis. Conducted over two decades, the study used comprehensive assessments across language, motor skills, cognitive traits, and social behaviors.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 22, 2025·5 min readDNA Methylation in Serotonin Center Offers New Clues to AutismA new study has uncovered abnormal DNA methylation patterns in the dorsal raphe—an area of the brain critical for serotonin signaling—in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing postmortem brain samples, researchers identified epigenetic changes in key genes linked to sensory perception, serotonin regulation, and synaptic function.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 20, 2025·5 min readNewly Found Brain Switch Regulates Synapses, Offers Clues to AutismA research team has uncovered a molecular "switch" that precisely regulates NMDA receptors, key players in brain communication, by blocking excitatory synapse overactivity. The proteins MDGA2 and EphB2 were found to compete for receptor activation, with MDGA2 acting as a natural inhibitor.Read More
