Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A Princeton University-led team used AI to decode the functional impact of non-coding DNA mutations in people with autism. The researchers analyzed 1,790 family genomes and found thousands of potential genetic contributors. This breakthrough method is applicable to discovering genetic contributions to any disease.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze whole genomes of 1,790 individuals with autism and their unaffected parents and siblings. Noncoding mutations were found to be comparable in number to protein-coding mutations causing gene disablement.
A new study found that infants at high risk for autism were less able to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar speech patterns. The researchers suggest that interventions should begin during infancy for those at high risk.
Researchers are using novel experimental approaches to understand autism spectrum disorder, including studying networks of interacting genes and protein regulation. These studies aim to identify common molecular mechanisms underlying the disorder, which could lead to new treatments.
A new study found that infants who are later diagnosed with autism react adequately when others initiate joint attention, but seldom actively seek to establish such episodes themselves. This suggests that children with autism have reduced social motivation already as infants.
A recent study found that younger parental age significantly increases the risk of ADHD and Tourette's, while older parental age is associated with Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between parental age and offspring neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing an objective, brain-based test to diagnose autism. The study used fMRI to measure the response of autistic children to social cues, finding that their brains respond differently than typically developing children.
A two-year project aims to explore the link between the human microbiome and autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior. The study, funded by a $1.94 million grant, will analyze key metabolites produced by microbes in patients with central nervous system disorders.
A study of human brains found that gene activity in specific cells is associated with autism severity, targeting potential treatments. Researchers identified a common set of circuit changes in neurons and glial cells, which were closely correlated with behavioral symptoms.
A new study using single-cell analysis of brain cells from autism patients found that specific genetic changes in neural cells and brain circuits correlate with the clinical severity of autism. The research identified autism-specific genes that could represent high-priority targets for new therapeutic treatments.
A Rutgers study found that men over 45 experience decreased fertility and increased pregnancy complications in their partners. Infants born to older fathers are also at higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and childhood cancers.
Researchers used MRI scans to examine the brains of 1,327 individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals, finding that cortical anatomy varies significantly between groups. The study also found that brain differences are more pronounced in girls with ASD, particularly those with lower cognitive ability.
A new study published in JNeurosci finds that mice lacking the gene Shank3 display structural and functional deficits in the prefrontal cortex. These findings establish a role of Shank3 in maintaining prefrontal cortex connectivity, which may increase autism risk when disrupted.
Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.
Two clinical trials found that modulating the vasopressin hormone's biological pathway enhanced social functioning in adults and children with ASD. The studies showed improvements in social behavior, adaptive skills, and reduced anxiety symptoms in treated individuals.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia present two innovative studies on virtual reality technology for training children with autism to interact with police, and a routine developmental screening method to identify developmental deceleration. The studies show promise in improving early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
A study found a potential link between autistic-like behaviour in adult mice and exposure to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, in the womb. The researchers identified a treatment that improved memory loss and social interactions.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that autism diagnoses become stable starting at 14 months, with a mean age of diagnosis being significantly lower than previously reported. This suggests that accurate screening and earlier treatment can result in improved therapeutic benefits for children with ASD.
Researchers found early ASD diagnoses remain stable and reliable in children aged 14-24 months, with 84% of initial diagnoses retained at final evaluation. The study suggests potential for earlier treatment with further research needed.
A recent study published in eLife has identified the gene SHANK3 as a key player in sleep problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. The research found that individuals with autism have trouble falling asleep due to difficulty regulating their body's circadian clock, which regulates the 24-hour day and night cycle.
Research finds that placental hormone allopregnanolone plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, and its disruption can lead to brain injuries associated with ASD. The study suggests that subtle changes in utero may set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.
Adult mouse models of SYNGAP1 disorder show improvement in measures of seizure and memory after gene repair, suggesting potential for treatment at any stage of life. The study offers a path to measure the effectiveness of potential medications or therapies.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic girls use more cognitive process words than boys, despite similar levels of autism severity. This suggests the need for sex-informed screening and diagnostic methods to identify girls with autism at an earlier age.
A study by MIT neuroscientists found that a genetic mutation linked to Williams Syndrome leads to thinning of the fatty layer that insulates neurons. Reversing this effect with drugs improved symptoms, suggesting a new direction for treatment.
Researchers developed an effective harmonization method to reduce site-related differences in resting-state fMRI data, reducing bias by 29% and improving signal-to-noise ratios by 40%. This allows for the development of practical brain-circuit-based biomarkers of psychiatric disorders regardless of imaging site.
Researchers at Yale University identified a possible biological cause for behavioral disorders in kids with autism: altered emotion regulation. They found reduced brain connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in autistic children exhibiting disruptive behavior.
Leonardo da Vinci made penetrating insights into how the brain functions through exquisite drawings and scientific rigor. His pioneering experiments, including a study of the olfactory nerve and ventricles, challenged earlier authorities and introduced new methods.
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in autism prevalence in New Jersey, with the rate rising 43 percent from 2010 to 2014. The state's autism rate is now one in 35 among 4-year-olds, significantly higher than the national average of 1.7 percent.
A new collaboration will create a centralized biobank of induced-pluripotent stem cells for Prader-Willi syndrome, enabling researchers to investigate the genetic basis of the disease and explore potential therapies. The biobank will provide high-quality cellular resources to accelerate research and development of new treatments.
A new study found that Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT) led to significant improvements in autism symptoms and gut health, persisting even two years post-treatment. Parents reported slow but steady reductions in ASD symptoms over time.
A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.
The Department of Defense is providing $7 million to investigate the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers aim to tailor ABA approaches to individual needs and explore lower intensity alternatives.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with autism lack the 'full body illusion', a test simulating an out-of-body experience. This is linked to a smaller peripersonal space, defining the boundaries of self, which may explain social difficulties and impaired empathy.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received four prestigious NSF CAREER Awards, totaling over $2 million in funding. The awards recognize faculty who exemplify outstanding research, education, and community engagement.
The EDC-MixRisk project reveals that current regulations underestimate health risks associated with combined exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, affecting fetal development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for a novel approach to mixture risk assessment and emphasizes the importance of considering...
A randomized clinical trial tested a wearable behavioral intervention to reinforce facial engagement and emotion recognition in children with ASD. The study found that the intervention improved social behavior in these children.
A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing a novel intervention combining electroencephalography-guided brain-computer interface technology with virtual reality to enhance emotion regulation in individuals with autism. The approach involves creating social interaction scenarios and providing real-time feedba...
A joint Chinese-UK study has revealed that around one in a hundred people in China have an autism spectrum condition, similar to the Western world. The research used a validated screening method and included mainstream school children, confirming under-diagnosis of autism in China.
Research finds a modest association between prenatal and infant pesticide exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study supports efforts to prevent exposure during pregnancy to protect brain development.
Research finds no difference in children's ability to recognize familiar faces' emotions, a key social cue. High-functioning children with ASD are 'in-tune' with their mothers' feelings and emotions, rivaling those without ASD.
A study published in PNAS shows that an enzyme inhibitor reduces inflammation in the brains of mice born to mothers with maternal immune activation, reversing cognitive and social interaction deficiencies. The findings suggest a potential new treatment approach for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that 38% of children diagnosed with ASD no longer meet diagnostic criteria, but many continue to struggle with language and learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral problems. Only 3% recovered from ASD with no other issues.
Researchers at UNH identified 204 proteins more highly regulated in females than males, with 31% associated with autism. The study suggests that female brains may have a protective mechanism preventing autism development.
The revised guidelines address pharmacogenetics, diagnosis of mental disorders with new molecular genetic technologies, and ethical challenges of genetic testing in psychiatric patients. Key findings include a lack of consensus on CNV testing in adults with mental illness and the need for more research to identify relevant genes.
Scientists discovered consistent brain activity patterns in people with autism that could be used to track treatment progress. The findings suggest that altering these patterns may help improve symptoms, but further studies are needed for confirmation.
A nationwide cohort study of Danish children found no link between MMR vaccination and autism. The study included 657,461 children and analyzed their risk for autism after vaccination. No increased risk was observed in susceptible subgroups or during specified time periods.
A study of 241 high-risk families found that mothers who took prenatal vitamins during the first month of pregnancy had a lower ASD recurrence rate compared to those who didn't. The proportion of children with ASD was 14.1% among vitamin-takers versus 32.7% among non-users.
Researchers have identified five common genetic variants that increase the risk of autism, providing a new insight into the biological processes involved. The study also found genetic differences between clinical subgroups of autism and a significant overlap with other mental disorders.
Researchers challenge decades-old research on emotional intelligence, finding that context is crucial for reading emotions. Study participants accurately identified characters' emotions from background and interactions, not just facial expressions.
A new pilot study found that autistic adults showed real-life improvement after a virtual reality treatment combining graded exposure to fear and anxiety-producing experiences. The approach, which included cognitive behavioral therapy, aimed to minimize anxiety and promote functional improvement in individuals with autism.
New studies provide insight into the struggles of children on the autism spectrum with co-occurring ADHD symptoms, highlighting difficulties with adaptive behavior and brain connectivity. Researchers found a strong relationship between ADHD symptoms and adaptive behavior scores in both home and school settings.
A recent study by CU Anschutz researchers has implicated a complex unexamined gene family in autism severity, suggesting that this underexplored area of the human genome may hold key insights into the disorder and potentially lead to new clinical therapies.
A recent study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder are at a higher risk of being reported to the Child Abuse Hotline. The study revealed that over 17% of children with ASD had been reported for maltreatment, compared to 7.4% of children without ASD.
Researchers discuss the potential of brain-computer interfaces to aid and restore communication for people with severe speech and physical impairments. The talk highlights the importance of choosing the right technology that maximizes reliability and minimizes fatigue and frustration.
A recent study has clarified the mechanism behind a rare brain disorder called MICPCH syndrome, which affects few individuals worldwide. The research highlights the importance of the protein CASK in maintaining balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.
A virtual reality therapy called Blue Room has shown lasting effects on anxiety caused by autism phobias in both children and adults. The treatment, developed by Newcastle University, has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in 40% of treated children at two weeks and 45% at six months.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic mutation in the CYFIP1 gene linked to autism-related motor issues. Early intervention with movement therapies shows promise in reversing these difficulties.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by a single mutation may be responsible for fragile X syndrome, autism, and other neural disorders. Researchers successfully reversed behavioral deficits in mice using a chemical treatment that restored mitochondria fusion.
Researchers discovered a precise pathway causing neurodevelopmental disorders, including rare condition Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Genetic sequencing revealed the buildup of protein BCKDK in the brain, leading to intellectual disability and speech loss.
A mutant gene encoding a human brain protein linked to autism has been introduced into the brains of fruit flies, producing abnormal behaviors reminiscent of autism impairments. The study found hyperactivity, repetitive behavior, and impaired social interaction in the fruit flies.