Mount Sinai researchers create mouse model to investigate the impact of a single SHANK3 gene mutation on nerve cell communication and social behavior. The study identifies impaired communication and altered plasticity in nerve cells, providing critical insight into the development of autism spectrum disorders.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Autism·DateDec 16, 2010
Autism Speaks has awarded $2.309,233 in funding for 21 new research grants over three years, including pilot projects and special research initiatives. The grants focus on epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies concerning adolescents and adults with autism.
Eastern Virginia Medical School researchers have identified a potential novel treatment strategy for the social impairment of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The medication, D-Cycloserine, showed promising effects in resolving the BALB/c mouse's deficits of sociability.
SourceEastern Virginia Medical School·JournalBrain Research Bulletin·DateDec 8, 2010
Harvard and University of Utah researchers have developed a biologically based test for autism, detecting high-functioning autism with 94 percent accuracy. The test uses MRI to measure deviations in brain circuitry, revealing insights into the biological basis of autism and potential improvements in management and treatments.
SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalAutism Research·DateDec 2, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that children with autism have deficits in cellular energy production, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. The study's lead author suggests that deficiencies in mitochondria may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·DateNov 30, 2010
Researchers discovered that children with full syndrome autism have impaired mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities, which may contribute to brain dysfunction. The study suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction could amplify and propagate brain problems in autism.
A UC Davis study found that children with autism have more trouble fueling their cells due to dysfunctional mitochondria. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 10 children with autism and 10 typically developing children, detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in mitochondrial DNA.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 17, 2010
Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., has been recognized as a "Rock Star of Science" for her extensive contributions to autism research and advocacy. Her work aims to discover the causes and effective treatments for autism, with a focus on improving lives for individuals with autism and their families.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that children with autism are likely to continue experiencing handwriting problems into their teenage years. The research found that teenagers with autism scored significantly lower than those without autism on a handwriting assessment test.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 15, 2010
Researchers at Yale University used fMRI to identify three distinct 'neural signatures' in children with autism and their unaffected siblings. These patterns, including reduced activity in certain brain regions and enhanced compensatory activity, may help with earlier and more accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2010
A recent study found that total health care expenditures for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) per 10,000 covered lives grew by 32.8% from $1,270,435 in 2000 to $1,686,938 in 2003. The treated prevalence of autism increased by 32.2% during the same period.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2010
Researchers found that individuals with autism were more likely to believe in the vanishing ball trick illusion, despite having trouble interpreting social cues. The study suggests that people with autism may have difficulties allocating attention to the right place at the right time, which could impact their performance in social situ...
SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2010
Researchers at the University of Utah Health used MRI to identify areas where the left and right hemispheres of the brains of people with autism do not properly communicate. The study found functional connectivity abnormalities in the entire brain, adding to the understanding of this disorder.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 12, 2010
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A new study found that siblings of children with autism have more frequent language delays and subtle characteristics of the disorder. The research suggests that genetic factors can influence individuals to varying degrees, even if one child is diagnosed with autism while the other is not.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2010
Eight new researchers will receive funding for their studies on autism spectrum disorders, including genetics, neuroscience and clinical research. The fellowships aim to support the growth of a promising cadre of young autism scientists.
Researchers identified a mutation in the PTCHD1 gene associated with about one percent of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) or intellectual disabilities, mostly males. The study suggests that this mutation may disrupt crucial developmental processes contributing to autism.
SourceAutism Speaks·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 15, 2010
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A recent study published in Nature has found that certain genetic disturbances contribute to autism. The research revealed that Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are over-represented in individuals with autism. Furthermore, abnormalities in genes related to synapse development have been linked to the origin of autism.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2010
Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering new method of diagnosing autism in adults using a quick brain scan that takes just 15 minutes. This technique can identify adults with autism with high accuracy and may lead to the screening for autism spectrum disorders in children.
The US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works convened a special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks emphasizes the importance of research on environmental risk factors, noting a dramatic increase in autism prevalence over the last decade.
A new study reveals that parents of children with autism are more likely to divorce than couples with typically developing children, particularly after the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. The study found that marital strain may remain high in these later years due to ongoing parenting demands.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 3, 2010
A study found that relatives of individuals with autism exhibit abnormal eye movements and other sensorimotor impairments, similar to those seen in individuals with autism. These abnormalities are associated with brain pathways important for language skills, motor control, and executive function.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJun 14, 2010
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago has identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2, SYNGAP1 and DLGAP2, through an international collaboration with Autism Speaks. These findings suggest that multiple rare variants or genetic changes may contribute to the development of autism.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2010
Researchers identify four new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The study also found that individuals with autism tend to carry more genetic mutations than controls.
Researchers found rare genetic changes called copy number variants (CNVs) in nearly 2,300 people, which could account for up to 3.3% of autism cases. The study identified three new genes and pathways contributing to autism susceptibility.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers have identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. The study found that these genes are involved in synapse-related pathways and cellular proliferation, providing insights into possible common pathological mechanisms.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2010
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a distinctive chemical fingerprint in the urine of children with autism, which could lead to a simple non-invasive test for early diagnosis. This finding has the potential to improve the progress of autistic children by enabling them to receive advanced behavioral therapy earlier.
SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 3, 2010
A new autism intervention for preschool children showed improvements in parent-child interaction, but failed to deliver a clinically significant reduction in autism symptoms. The study assessed 152 children aged 2-4 years and found that the PACT intervention led to enhanced communicative and social development.
A study by Kennedy Krieger researchers found that 64% of children with ASD belong to a two-parent family, compared to 65% without ASD. The study suggests that parenting a child with autism can be stressful, but does not necessarily lead to divorce.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A recent study by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network reveals that 27% of children with ASD are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, with stimulants being the most common. Medication use is more prevalent among older children, with 60% of those aged 11 and above taking at least one medication.
A new study has uncovered two more genes associated with autism, furthering evidence of the disorder's genetic foundation. The research also suggests that environmental factors may play a role in the development of autism in susceptible individuals.
A study found that 21% of children with autism use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their treatment plan. CAM use was higher among children with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, particularly those following special diets such as gluten-free or casein-free diets.
A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation focuses on the potential of autistic young adults, highlighting their ability to form relationships and enjoy employment benefits. Researchers provide case studies and programs to support practitioners in working with this population.
SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateApr 22, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Children with early developmental warning signs may face lower risk for poor autism outcomes than those who experience a loss of skills, study finds. Researchers examined 2,720 parents and found significant differences in development, symptom severity, and educational needs among children with three patterns of autism onset.
SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 20, 2010
A recent study found that children living near a child with autism are more likely to be diagnosed themselves in the following year. The proximity effect is strongest among children on the milder side of the autism spectrum and explains about 16% of the recent increases in diagnoses.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateApr 8, 2010
Autism Speaks has awarded 16 new research grants totaling $5.2 million over three years to advance autism science and advocacy. The grants focus on early detection, underlying biological processes, and targeted treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Autism Consortium study reveals that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for autism spectrum disorders. CMA identified 18.2% of patients with deletions or duplications, compared to 2.23% and 0.46% for standard testing methods. The study recommends CMA as part...
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A study suggests a possible early warning sign for autism spectrum disorders in families, with older siblings showing trends of hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Mothers of young autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers of typically developing children.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalFocus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities·DateMar 8, 2010
A new study from the University of Miami finds that maternal sensitivity is a key predictor of language development in toddlers with autism. The researchers discovered that sensitive structuring, which involves teaching and engaging children in a gentle manner, was more predictive of language growth among children developing autism tha...
SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 25, 2010
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is being studied by analyzing behavior in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation. Researchers hope to understand the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and potentially develop more targeted treatments.
A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2010
The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAutism Research·DateFeb 8, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Two recent studies identified regions with higher than expected numbers of autism cases in California, strongly associated with higher parental education and proximity to specialty research centers. Ongoing studies exploring environmental exposures and social factors will help uncover the causes of these clustering.
A new study indicates a decline in biomedical research funding, sparking concerns about the growing national autism public health crisis. Autism Speaks calls for increased funding to explore factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence and to develop more effective treatments.
The publication of consensus recommendations in Pediatrics marks an important step towards advancing physician awareness of unique challenges in the medical management of children with autism. The guidelines provide guidance on how current general pediatric standards of care can be adapted for children with ASD, highlighting the need f...
Researchers at UC Davis identified 10 locations in California with higher-than-expected autism incidence rates, primarily in areas with higher levels of parental education. The study found that children born to parents with more educational attainment were more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 4, 2010
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The CDC reports a staggering 57% increase in autism diagnoses from 2002 to 2006, with a 600% rise over the past 20 years. Autism Speaks calls for dramatic federal funding increases and policy changes to address the growing public health crisis.
According to a new study, autism disorders have become more common among American children, with a prevalence rate approaching 1 percent among 8-year-olds. The study found a 57 percent increase in spectrum-disorder cases compared to four years earlier.
A comprehensive new study has found that early intervention programs for very young children with autism are effective in improving IQ, language ability, and social interaction. The Early Start Denver Model, a novel approach combining ABA teaching methods with relationship-based approaches, was tested on 48 diverse toddlers with autism.
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) has included vaccine research studies in its updated Strategic Plan for Autism Research, responding to Congressional calls to investigate the potential connection between vaccines and autism. The plan aims to explore risk factors contributing to autism, including environmental exposu...
Researchers at University of Missouri have developed a pupil response test that is 92.5 percent accurate in separating children with autism from those with typical development. Children with autism show slower pupil responses to light change, a potential biomarker for early screening and improved developmental outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 10, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A study of 28 children aged 8-13 found that half with autism scored below 80% on handwriting assessments, compared to only one child without autism. Therapies targeting motor skills may help improve handwriting in children with autism, essential for school success and self-esteem.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 2009
The Autism Consortium's fourth annual symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, and families to discuss the latest findings on the causes of autism. The symposium highlighted promising areas of research, including the role of chromosome 16p11.2 in susceptibility for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers are adapting cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety in early adolescents with autism. The study aims to reduce anxiety and improve mental health outcomes in this population, addressing the growing need for effective treatments.
SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·DateOct 27, 2009
Researchers discovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and involves the way genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism, potentially identifying individuals who will respond better to oxytocin treatment.
SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 21, 2009
Research on autism spectrum disorders has made significant progress, with advancements in early brain development and diagnosis. The review highlights the importance of parent involvement and genetic factors in the disorder, and suggests potential future treatments using neuroimaging tools and intensive behavioral therapies.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2009
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A Stanford University researcher has pinpointed the mechanism by which a gene associated with both autism and schizophrenia influences behavior in mice. The study identified behavioral changes in the mice similar to some symptoms of autism and schizophrenia, highlighting the complexities of cognitive disorders.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2009
A new article reviews published research and finds no convincing evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. The onset of autism occurs prior to age three, with various possible associations examined but no clear cause identified.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing·DateOct 8, 2009