Autism News and Research

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Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

CU scientists identify key role of brain's immune cells during development

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified how specific brain cells interacting during development could be related to neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, including some that occur later in life.

10 Jul 2020

Region-specific atlas reveals genome linked to human embryonic brain development

An adjusted sequence of genetic events should occur to allow the budding brain of a human embryo to turn into the organ that regulates human consciousness.

1 Jul 2020

Glitches in DNA replication can lead to genetic diseases

Researchers have discovered that a living cell’s system meant for avoiding genetic damage can fail so much that it would be better off without it.

1 Jul 2020

Researchers discover new druggable pathway linked with tuberous sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurological disorder causing non-cancerous tumors, called cortical tubers, to grow throughout the brain and body, as well as other conditions like epilepsy and autism.

25 Jun 2020

Study reveals mechanism by which propionic acid induces brain disorders

Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI, headed by Suh Pann-ghill) announced on the 11th that the research team led by Dr. Mun Ji-young revealed the mechanism of autism induced by an imbalance of human gut microorganisms.

19 Jun 2020

Inhibitory interneurons excite the developing brain, study finds

Brain function depends on inhibitory cells that balance or 'brake' excitation. These neurons allow the brain to process information and also prevent runaway seizures.

15 Jun 2020

Study reveals the role of Cpeb4 protein involved in bone and joint diseases

Osteoclasts are bone-dissolving cells that are extracted from a type of immune cell referred to as macrophages which are required for the maintenance of bones.

10 Jun 2020

Gut-brain connection may help treat neurological diseases

Researchers are not clear whether mucus is the first line of defense against bad bacteria in the human gut.

2 Jun 2020

Study: Only 3% individuals diagnosed with autism receive recommended genetic tests

A study analyzing data from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) found that only 3% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder reported having fully received clinical genetic tests recommended by medical professional societies.

19 May 2020

Researchers discover group of genes with altered expression in autism

Autism has long been associated only with behavioral and environmental factors, but the role of genetics in its development is now increasingly evident. Some 100 genes have been found to play a role in autism spectrum disorder, and another thousand are being studied to the same end.

15 May 2020

Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Linked To Improved Gut Bacteria Composition In Obese People

The human gut microbiota consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses constituting an inner chemical factory producing a multitude of microbial compounds.

7 May 2020

New tool may shed more light on neurodegenerative diseases

About 350 years ago, Robert Hooke provided an initial description of a cell in Micrographia, and since then, microscopy has played a major role in figuring out life’s rules.

6 May 2020

Combined effect of rare mutations has negative impact on health and longevity

In a study published recently in the eLife journal, researchers have reported that the combined effects of rare and damaging mutations that occur at birth itself have adverse effects on health span and longevity.

13 Apr 2020

Uncovering how different types of stimulation impact neuronal activity

Using electrodes smaller than a human hair, researchers are able to connect mind to machine and interact with the human brain in revolutionary ways.

8 Apr 2020

Study shows some genetic variants have stronger effects on RNA expression even before birth

The prefrontal cortex of the human brain experiences a wider spectrum of developmental activity right from early prenatal development until childhood.

8 Apr 2020

Study unveils genetic variants that play key role in psychiatric, neurological conditions

The cerebral cortex is important for memory, thinking, attention, and information processing. It is an outer, folded, and comparatively thin “gray matter” layer of the brain.

27 Mar 2020

Large mutations may explain diverse outcomes from autism genes

Scientists have recently discovered large mutations that may explain diverse outcomes from autism genes and this story investigates further.

25 Mar 2020

Genetically manipulating cells using synthetic materials to construct artificial structures

Researchers at the Stanford School of Engineering have designed a technique for reprogramming cells to use synthetic materials, which the team provides, to create artificial structures that can perform functions within the body.

20 Mar 2020

Study finds impact of specific gene on neurodevelopment, causing ASD and macrocephaly

During the developmental phase of brains, a number of moving parts occur—and if mutations occur during the early neurodevelopment, it can result in disorders such as autism and macrocephaly.

12 Mar 2020

Distinct loss-of-function variants cause shared clinical features in neuronal development disorders

Researchers have shown that mutations in four distinct genes that lead to Kleefstra syndrome.

20 Feb 2020