Articles tagged with Autism
Researchers analyzed blood and brain tissue data to find epigenetic marks that control gene expression, revealing key connections between genes and immune function. This study suggests that understanding epigenetic connections could lead to new treatments for autism by targeting specific biological pathways.
The Azrieli Centre for Autism Research will foster innovations in therapy and a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to map differences in children and adults living with ASD, leading to earlier diagnosis and effective intervention.
Researchers studied pair-bonded titi monkeys to understand jealousy and its consequences. The study found that male monkeys exhibited increased testosterone and cortisol levels when watching their partners with a stranger, and brain scans revealed heightened activity in areas associated with social exclusion and aggression.
Research found that astrocytes from children with autism exhibit innate inflammation, contributing to neuronal dysfunction. However, when normal astrocytes were co-cultured with autistic neurons, the latter reverted to normal functioning.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of autism that affects male mice more severely than females, leading to abnormal reward-learning behavior. This study sheds light on the sex differences in autism and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic signature for autism by analyzing the genomes of 516 autistic children and their families. The study found that individuals with autism are more likely to have multiple genetic variations, suggesting a complex interplay between genes in the development of the disorder.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that imbalances in the regulation of GABA, a crucial neurotransmitter, can lead to developmental brain disorders such as autism and seizure disorders. The research offers new hope for developing treatments by identifying a potential molecular switch controlling GABA production.
Researchers discovered that autism is often associated with the appearance of new mutations in both protein-coding and regulatory genome regions. These newly formed mutations are more likely to increase an individual's risk of developing autism, with a significant impact from as few as two mutations.
The center aims to identify unique talents in individuals on the spectrum and develop novel employment arrangements to enhance their quality of life. With research partners and community organizations, VCAI seeks to unlock the workforce potential of autistic individuals.
A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...
A study of 220 Australian children found that a maternal immune-mediated subtype of autism is linked to poorer social outcomes. The researchers identified associations between maternal allergies or asthma and increased severity of social symptoms in children with ASD.
A new study found that state laws mandating autism coverage by private insurers resulted in a large jump in spending on care for children with autism. Children in states with mandates were more likely to receive treatment, with increased spending on outpatient services and a significant impact on their lives.
Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found that the brain recalls larger concepts first when recalling information, then reconstructs details, reversing the traditional encoding and decoding process. This study sheds light on phenomena like eyewitness testimony and stereotyping.
Researchers found a direct connection between deletions in two genes in the 16p11.2 region of human chromosome 16 and certain brain and body traits, including seizures, hyperactivity, and obesity. The study suggests that multiple genes interact to produce various characteristics.
Researchers developed higher resolution genetic diagnostic tools to identify genetic anomalies in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study linked novel DLG2 promoters and coding exons to developmental delay and intellectual disability, providing a potential pathogenic role in these conditions.
A Drexel University-led study found that multivitamin use during pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism with intellectual disabilities by 30%. The study, published in BMJ, looked at data from over a decade and controlled for other factors. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between diet and autism development.
Research suggests that multivitamin use during pregnancy is associated with a lower likelihood of child autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual disability. However, study limitations and inconsistent findings warrant further investigation to verify these results.
A new study found that Twitter is a hub of anti-vaccine sentiment, particularly in affluent regions. The research used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over half a million tweets between 2009 and 2015, finding that half of online discussions about vaccines were negative.
A new study identifies the fragile X protein's role in regulating DNA packaging, offering clues for treatment. The protein oversees a set of genes that alter how DNA is packaged, and its absence leads to fragile X syndrome.
Human brains tend to miss objects that are mis-scaled, even when they're in view. Researchers found this phenomenon in eye-tracking studies, but not in computer vision algorithms like deep neural networks. This study aims to better understand human visual search strategies and improve computer vision.
A new analysis estimates that genetic factors account for 83% of the risk for autism spectrum disorder, while nonshared environmental influences contribute 17%. This estimate is higher than previous twin studies but more accurate than a lower estimate using traditional methods.
Researchers have identified networks of genes related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may also be involved in cancer, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study used a computational technique to account for gene interactions, revealing genes that could affect similar pathways.
The largest study to date finds a significant difference in autism recurrence risk based on sibling gender. Boys are more susceptible to autism, especially when an older female sibling has the condition. Meanwhile, female siblings with older brothers have lower risks.
Serotonin transporters play a crucial role in regulating serotonin levels, which is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and autism. Altering the regulation of these transporters may provide new treatment options with milder side effects.
UNC School of Medicine researchers found that faulty cell signaling in progenitor cells can derail cerebral cortex development, potentially leading to autism. The study suggests that disruptions in the Wnt protein pathway may play a crucial role in brain development and autism symptoms.
Researchers found eight mutations associated with autism in the TRIO gene, which can lead to weaker or stronger connections between brain cells. Weaker connections may hinder information storage and processing, while stronger connections cause trouble communicating between brain cells.
A prototype Google Glass app, Holli, recognizes conversational prompts and provides suitable responses, improving social skills for children with autism spectrum disorder. Children find it easy to use and enjoy interacting with the technology.
Two new studies from MIT and UMass Medical School shed light on the link between maternal infection during pregnancy and autism. Researchers found that bacterial populations in the mother's digestive tract can influence offspring behavior and discovered specific brain changes associated with autistic-like behaviors.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified a potential biomarker that predicts atypical development in 1- to 2-month-old infants at high familial risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Infants at high risk have elevated 'noise' and increased randomness in their spontaneous head movements during sleep.
Research found that fictional autistic characters often display at least nine of the 12 diagnostic criteria, a level rarely seen in real life. In reality, most people with autism lack exceptional skills, contradicting common stereotypes.
Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.
Researchers at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute are studying the benefits of early detection of autism through a $11.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Early detection is critical for improving outcomes in social and cognitive functioning, as well as mitigating disabilities over a child's lifetime.
A study published in The BMJ found an association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and a higher risk of psychiatric disorder diagnosis in children. Researchers stress that this finding should be interpreted with caution, as the underlying maternal illness may contribute to the increased risk.
A new study out of Tohoku University found that contagious yawning is more likely associated with perceptual sensitivity than empathy. Researchers observed participants' reactions to photos and videos of people yawning, revealing a stronger link between detecting facial expressions and induced yawning.
Neuroscientists at the University of Nevada, Reno identified a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that disrupts brain pathways connecting the left and right hemispheres, separately linked to autism. The study suggests that the human gene PRRG4 may play a role in regulating nerve fiber guidance and synapse formation.
A new Harvard Medical School study suggests that brain regions key to facial recognition form only through experience and are absent in primates who don't encounter faces. This finding sheds light on neuro-developmental conditions such as autism and developmental prosopagnosia, where individuals struggle with recognizing familiar faces.
Researchers discovered postzygotic mosaic mutations, which occur after conception, contribute to autism risk in 3-4% of individuals. These 'silent' mutations alter genetic message stitching and may increase risk by 1-2% for genes essential for development.
Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.
Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.
A recent study suggests that variations in mitochondrial DNA originating from ancient human migrations may play a key role in predisposition to autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with specific European haplogroups had significantly higher risks of ASD compared to others.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences create SHANK3-deficient non-human primate model, showing significant reduction in postsynaptic proteins and mature neurons. The study highlights the critical role of SHANK3 in early brain development and its potential for advancing autism research.
A research team has identified two genes, NRXN1 and CNTN6, that are significantly modified in people with Tourette syndrome. These genes encode proteins involved in cell fusion in the nervous system and are linked to an increased risk of developing the condition.
A study found that high-quality early intervention for children with autism can lead to significant cost savings. After just two years, the costs associated with the Early Start Denver Model were fully offset due to reductions in other services. The model uses a developmental curriculum and teaching procedures delivered by therapy team...
A new study published in Radiology found structural abnormalities in the brains of individuals with one of the most common genetic causes of autism. The abnormalities corresponded to cognitive and behavioral impairments, highlighting a potential future role for imaging in identifying those who need urgent intervention.
A recent study published in JAMA found that improvisational music therapy did not improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. The study, which lasted five months, showed small improvements and no significant difference between the groups.
Researchers found that defects in primary cilium structure impaired brain development, resembling those seen in autism and schizophrenia. Restoring signaling through primary cilia resolved wiring defects in the brain.
Researchers suggest that reversing excitation-inhibition imbalance could alleviate autism symptoms, particularly hyperactivity and social deficits. A mouse model study shows reducing excitatory to inhibitory signaling counters these issues.
A new study from York University reveals that parents who participate in cognitive therapy with their children with autism experience improvements in their own depression, emotion regulation, and mindful parenting. The research shows that co-therapy with parents alongside their child's therapist leads to positive outcomes for the family.
Researchers found that genes closely associated with autism in humans are regulated differently in unresponsive honey bees than their more responsive nest mates. The study reveals unique parallels between the behavior of these unresponsive bees and those with autism.
Adults with autism tend to overestimate environmental changeability, reducing prior expectations' influence on behavior. This may contribute to sensory overload and social difficulties.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a link between brain wave frequency and nonverbal IQ in children with autism. The study found that lower peak alpha frequency corresponds to lower non-verbal IQ, suggesting a potential biomarker for detecting autism severity.
A study found that pregnant women who took antidepressants were 45% more likely to have children diagnosed with autism, but the effect was limited. The research suggests that only a small proportion of cases would be prevented if antidepressant use was completely cut off during pregnancy.
A new study suggests that an eye test could be a useful tool in diagnosing Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by assessing the ability of individuals to adapt saccade amplitudes. This test may indicate deficits in the brain's emotional and social development areas, which are often impaired in individuals with ASD.
Researchers discovered that a specific neural signal in the brain regulates young animals' ability to learn behavioral patterns from adults, particularly in zebra finches. The findings suggest that disruptions in this protein complex may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
A large Swedish study found a link between antidepressant use in pregnancy and autism risk, with 4.1% of exposed children developing autism compared to 2.9% of unexposed children. However, the absolute risk was small, and researchers stress that these results should not be considered alarming.
A review of studies suggests infants with autism siblings have less advanced linguistic and motor skills, detectable from 12 months. Differences in language skills were larger than those in motor skills until they were 3 years old.
Researchers discovered a primitive blueprint of organization in primates' brains just days after birth, which gradually fills in with age and experience. The findings have implications for humans, including the potential explanation of aberrations seen in autism-spectrum disorders and the importance of correcting visual deficits at birth.
A recent study using three genetic sequencing technologies found that late-breaking mutations occurring after conception are linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These mutations, known as post-zygotic mutations, were discovered in a subset of cells and disproportionately affect the amygdala.
A new study has identified a tool to detect signs of autism in high-risk infants with TSC, a genetic disorder. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) was found to be a useful clinical tool in determining which infants are at increased risk of developing ASD.
A large study of executive function and adaptive behavior in females with autism spectrum disorders reveals unique challenges in diagnosis and intervention. The study found that girls with ASD struggle more with independence skills despite having better social and communication skills.