Articles tagged with Autism
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to reduce repetitive behavior in mice with fragile X syndrome, a common cause of autism spectrum disorder. The technique successfully edited the receptor responsible for excessive signaling between neurons, leading to reduced repetitive behaviors such as digging and leaping.
A recent study has linked increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to mothers with the three main types of diabetes. The research, published in JAMA Network, suggests a higher risk for children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks.
Researchers find subplate neurons don't die but become part of the adult cerebral cortex, influencing brain disorders. They identify a connection between subplate neurons and certain brain conditions and outline innovative stem cell techniques for treatment.
The study analyzed over 900,000 genomes to identify genetic overlap among psychiatric diseases and personality traits. Schizophrenia was found to correlate with most psychiatric disorders, while anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder demonstrated significant overlap.
A recent study found that teenagers with autism and social communication difficulties are more likely to experience depressive symptoms when bullied. The research suggests that targeting bullying interventions could help reduce depression in autistic teens.
A new blood test for autism has been validated for its exceptional success, predicting autism spectrum disorder with 88% accuracy in a second trial. The test uses an algorithm to analyze metabolites in a blood sample, offering a potential solution to lower the age of diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have uncovered the biological role of the CHD8 gene in developing oligodendrocytes, cells that form a protective insulation around nerves. Modulating CHD8 activity may help restore neuronal connections and reduce symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that BPA exposure in grandparents of mice led to altered vocalization patterns in their offspring, potentially affecting parental care. The study suggests multigenerational effects of BPA on communication deficits in humans with autism or neurobehavioral disorders.
The €115 million AIMS-2-Trials grant aims to understand autism, develop personalized therapies, and improve quality of life for autistic individuals. It will create a European clinical trials network and partner with charities, governments, and industry to rapidly determine therapy effectiveness.
A study by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School analyzed search results for 'vaccines autism' and found that 10%-24% of websites had a negative stance on vaccines, with some ranking highly in different languages. The research highlights the potential impact of misinformation on public health.
A significant study reveals autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population, with 12.3% showing autistic traits. The researchers call for further investigation into the link between autism and homelessness to improve support.
Research reveals the potential for new brain treatments by targeting specific brain circuits. Lead author Elif Engin suggests that augmenting GABAA receptor activity could be useful in treating disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study identified genetic missense mutations that contribute to disease risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The framework successfully prioritized these mutations, which are more likely to occur in autistic children than their siblings.
A significant positive association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and common allergic conditions, particularly food allergy, was found in a nationally representative sample of US children. Children with ASD were more likely to report having food, respiratory, and skin allergies compared to those without ASD.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that children with ASD are over twice as likely to suffer from a food allergy compared to those without ASD. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 children and suggests a possible link between immunological dysfunction and ASD development.
A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has identified a link between neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found that those with low functional connectivity tended to have impaired listening comprehension and reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels.
A Duke University study finds an iPhone app easy to use, liked by parents, and good at producing reliable scientific data. The app collects videos of young children's reactions while watching movies designed to elicit autism risk behaviors, which are then analyzed for emotional responses.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a fundamental process by which brains are built, involving the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This finding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy.
A study found that oxytocin and vasopressin reduce aggression and increase cooperation in male rhesus macaques, flattening the social hierarchy and promoting egalitarian behavior. The hormones also synchronize behaviors, enabling non-verbal communication between animals.
A Penn Medicine study reveals that early-life seizures can lead to premature activation of synapses tied to learning and language skills in children with autism. The researchers found that an antiepileptic drug may keep these synapses 'silent' longer, allowing the brain to develop normally.
A new study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reduced ability to detect lies, making them more susceptible to manipulation. The researchers suggest training individuals with ASD to improve their deception detection skills, which could enhance their lives.
A major study on pregnant women's fish consumption found no link between mercury exposure and autism. Mercury was only associated with poor social cognition in mothers who avoided eating fish. The study confirms current advice for pregnant women to eat fish at least twice a week is safe.
A Canadian research team has discovered how brain stem cells collaborate to build brain circuits during development. This understanding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The study also suggests that manipulating these brain-resident stem cells could promote brain repair.
Researchers at the University of York found that individuals with 'detail focus', a trait linked to autism, led to realistic cave drawings across Europe. They argued that drugs were unlikely behind this art movement.
A CAMH study analyzed over 1,000 brain scans to provide new insights into brain networks in people with autism. The personalized brain mapping approach showed that each person's brain has unique differences in network functioning despite sharing the same diagnosis.
Researchers have found significantly elevated levels of 4-ethylphenylsulfate (4-EPS) in serum samples from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. Elevated 4-EPS levels were also associated with worse social performance, indicating its possible role in ASD pathology.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method for generating brain cells from skin cells, opening up new possibilities for studying neurologic diseases. The study found over 70 new recipes or codes for neuronal production and discovered that synthetic neurons can grow synapses and communicate with each other.
Dr. Karun Singh is a leader in stem cell research, human genetics and brain development. His work has made significant impact on our knowledge of signaling mechanisms that regulate brain development and genetic risk factors underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found a genetic signal common to both cerebral palsy and autism in children. Cell lines from 182 individuals with cerebral palsy showed disruptions in cell signalling and inflammatory pathways, similar to those seen in some children with autism.
Infants who develop autism react more strongly to sudden changes in light at 9-10 months old, according to a new study. The findings support the role of sensory processing in autism development and provide insights into early detection.
Research from the University of Kansas found that minority students with autism are widely underrepresented in special education, with dramatic disparities seen across states. The study showed that African-American and Hispanic students were underidentified at high rates, while Pacific Islander and Asian students were not identified at...
Researchers discovered that visual experience triggers changes in brain protein expression, which enhances learning and processing of sensory information in tadpoles. This finding suggests a possible new role for proteins in sensory processing in people with autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at higher risk of being bullied due to their willingness to accept unfair behavior and reduced reciprocation in trading games. The study found that children with ASD were 37% less likely to reciprocate fair offers and three times more likely to accept unfair offers...
Researchers found a potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in monkeys with low social behavior, which had lower arginine vasopressin concentrations in their cerebrospinal fluid. This discovery suggests that AVP may be a target for developing new drugs to alleviate social impairment in ASD patients.
Researchers discovered that rhesus macaques and children with autism spectrum disorder have lower vasopressin levels, linked to reduced sociability. The study suggests vasopressin as a potential biomarker for social deficits in autism.
A new study links low vasopressin levels in cerebrospinal fluid to impaired social abilities in monkeys and children with autism, suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. The researchers hope to further explore the hormone's role in autism diagnosis.
Children diagnosed with autism are able to create and play with imaginary companions, but at a later age than typically developing children. The quality of the play is similar, suggesting that imaginary companions could be used in future therapies for autistic youngsters.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze EEG signals from infants at high risk for autism, accurately predicting ASD with over 95% accuracy by 9 months. Early detection may lead to better outcomes and prevention of behaviors associated with ASD.
A new study funded by a $4.7 million gift from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation aims to investigate the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol for children with severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. The study will involve clinical assessments and basic research to better understand how CBD interacts with neural activity.
The US autism prevalence has increased by an average of 15 percent, reaching a national rate of 1.7 percent among childhood population, while New Jersey remains the state with the highest autism rate at 2.9 percent, according to a report by Rutgers researchers.
A study from York University shows that cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve children's emotional regulation, including anxiety and other emotional challenges. The intervention, involving a computer program and family support, led to improved mental health outcomes in children with autism.
Researchers found that adults on the autism spectrum have increased use of primary care, mental health services, and laboratory services, but lower use of gynecology visits and cervical cancer screening. The study highlights the importance of considering autism throughout the lifespan and emphasizes the need for better access to afford...
Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.
Researchers are using cutting-edge techniques to shed new light on the intricate circuitry behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Innovative nanocapsules could improve drug delivery for Autism Spectrum Disorder, while mapping brain circuits with rabies and herpes viruses provides insights into learning and memory.
A recent study identified rare inherited variants in non-coding DNA as a contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These variants disrupt neighboring DNA control elements that regulate gene expression. The findings suggest that the inherited genetic contribution from mothers and fathers may be qualitatively different.
A recent study published in Molecular Autism found that pediatrician Hans Asperger cooperated with the Nazi regime and referred profoundly disabled children to a clinic involved in child euthanasia. The research challenges the long-held narrative of Asperger as an opponent of the Nazi regime.
A new mechanism regulating axon pathfinding has been identified in zebrafish embryos, suggesting that neuronal activity can influence brain connectivity. The research found that optogenetic stimulation of an inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor was necessary for axons to properly cross the midline.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a genetic mutation associated with intellectual disability, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and congenital cardiac anomalies. The mutation, in the NAA15 gene, is linked to Ogden syndrome, a more severe condition also caused by a mutation in the NAA10 gene.
A large-scale study finds that women with PCOS are prone to mental health disorders and their children have a greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders to improve their quality of life.
Scientists have discovered a mutation in the catnap2 gene that causes seizures in people with autism spectrum disorder. The mutation shrinks brain neurons' branches, disrupting message delivery and leading to seizures.
A new study by Swansea University found that children with intellectual disability or autism are more likely to be given antipsychotic medication, leading to higher rates of depression, injury, and hospitalization. The research also highlights the potential long-term health implications of treating behavioral problems in this way.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that children with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and mood disorders. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,300 children, revealed that these psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in ol...
A recent study developed a model to predict the effect of genetic variants on cognitive traits, opening the way for better interpretation of genetic analyzes and early care for children at risk. The discovery paves the way for clinicians to estimate cognitive impact of rare genetic variants.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that a clinician-driven virtual learning platform improves social competency and socio-emotional abilities in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. The study reveals increased activation in the brain's socio-cognition hub, leading to improved empathy and social interaction.
Researchers found abnormal brain connectivity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder, which may underlie the disorder's abnormal development and contribute to its mechanisms. The study suggests that these altered patterns could be used as potential imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that children with autism spectrum disorders and their younger siblings are less likely to receive full vaccinations. The study analyzed data from over 3,700 children with ASD and nearly 500,000 children without ASD, as well as their siblings born between 1995 and 2014.
Researchers found that children with autism have too many amygdala neurons early on and then lose them as they age. Typically developing children, however, gain more amygdala neurons over time, suggesting a link between excessive neuron growth and anxiety in autism.
A study found that simple praise statements increase physical activity in young adults with autism, regardless of delivery method. Praise delivered through technology shows promise for producing more exercise, as participants maintained their performances even without constant support.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute identified the MVP gene as essential for homeostatic plasticity in neurons with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, a common genetic cause of autism. The study found that reduced MVP levels disrupted neural circuit adjustments to experience, leading to impaired learning and memory.
A new study found that children born to mothers with a larger waist size (80 cm or more) before pregnancy are at a 65% higher risk of developing autism. The research suggests inflammation may play a key role in this link.