Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Genetic testing for children with autism and intellectual disabilities remains rare in Medicaid, despite national guidelines

Despite clinical recommendations, genetic testing is underutilized among Medicaid-enrolled children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The study found stark racial disparities, with Black children less likely to receive genetic testing than their white peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Supporting cognitive flexibility in autistic individuals

Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can alleviate some autistic behaviors and improve mental flexibility by reducing neural rigidity. The study's results provide a biological explanation for the coexistence of diverse behavioral traits in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2025

Board game enables autistic people to create stories about their condition

Researchers found that playing Dixit helped evoke emotions in autistic participants, covering three main themes: anxiety, social relationships, and sensory experiences. The study suggests the game could be an effective tool for bridging gaps between autistic and neurotypical people.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalDiscover Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025

Cross-cultural differences in the socio-cognitive abilities of non-autistic and autistic individuals

Researchers from Japan conducted a cross-cultural analysis to compare mentalizing difficulties in British and Japanese autistic and non-autistic adults. They found that Japanese autistic participants outperformed both groups of British participants, suggesting cultural differences in interpreting social cues.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2025
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Autism linked to elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease

A large-scale study from Karolinska Institutet reports that individuals with an autism diagnosis are four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that shared underlying biological mechanisms may be at play, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

New clues to autism: epigenetic study identifies RABGGTB as a novel candidate gene

A recent epigenetic study identified RABGGTB as a promising biomarker for autism spectrum disorder, revealing extensive DNA methylation abnormalities in key brain regions. The findings suggest that studying this gene could unlock new doors to understanding ASD and lead to future diagnostic breakthroughs.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalPsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Good news for people with migraine who take drugs before or during pregnancy

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took triptan medications before or during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 pregnancies and followed the children for an average of eight years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 21, 2025

Tiny genetic switch found to control brain balance and behavior

Researchers have identified a four-amino-acid mini-exon in the PTPδ gene that plays a critical role in brain development and behavior. The study found that deleting this mini-exon led to anxiety-like behavior and reduced movement in mice, highlighting its essential role in maintaining synaptic balance.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025
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.

“For the first time, we shared a meaningful exchange”: KAIST develops an AI app for parents and minimally verbal autistic children connect​

Researchers at KAIST have developed an AI-powered app called AACessTalk that enables meaningful communication between children with autism and their parents. The app uses personalized vocabulary cards and customized prompts to foster mutual engagement in dialogue.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2025

Autistic people communicate just as effectively as others, study finds

Researchers found that social difficulties faced by autistic individuals are primarily due to differences in communication styles, rather than a lack of social ability. Autistic people often communicate more directly, but struggle with reading social cues, leading to varying conversation dynamics compared to non-autistic peers.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Exposome Moonshot launching in Washington D.C.

The Human Exposome is a global scientific effort to understand the environmental factors that underpin disease and health. The Exposome Moonshot Forum aims to chart this exposome, providing usable metrics and data points for targeted public health interventions.

SourceExposome Moonshot·DateMay 12, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The power of play for children with autism

Children with autism who engage in whole-body movement show improved executive functioning and cognitive performance compared to those who participate in sedentary play. The study, led by University of Delaware professor Anjana Bhat, found that exercise increases blood supply to the prefrontal cortex and enhances attention span and lea...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 2025

No one to play with? UCLA’s PEERS for Preschoolers program is changing that

The PEERS for Preschoolers program is an evidence-based solution designed to help young children on the autism spectrum learn fundamental social skills needed to form lasting friendships. The program focuses on key areas such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateMay 7, 2025

Scientists discover the genes that influence when babies start walking

Researchers analyzed the genetic information of over 70,000 infants to discover 11 genetic markers that influence when babies take their first steps. This study suggests that genetics plays a significant role in determining when children start walking, with some kids naturally starting earlier or later due to their genetic propensity.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 7, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Parent coaching sparks major communication growth in infants with social and communication delays

A new study published by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that targeted coaching for caregivers of infants as young as 8 months significantly enhances babies' communication and cognitive development. This early intervention model empowers families to learn strategies to increase their infant's engagement and communication.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalAutism Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2025

Mechanism by which the brain weighs positive vs. negative social experience is revealed

Researchers identified how the brain assigns positivity or negativity to social experiences through a complex neural circuitry involving the hippocampus. They discovered that serotonin and neurotensin release opposing signals in the ventral CA1 region, which can be leveraged for future therapies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025
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.

Autism not linked with increased age-related cognitive decline

A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGerontology·DateApr 24, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Study reveals new genetic mechanism behind autism development

Scientists have uncovered a genetic link between autism spectrum disorder and myotonic dystrophy type 1, suggesting a new mechanism for social behaviors in ASD. The study found that the genetic variation causing DM1 affects brain development and leads to protein imbalance, mis-splicing of genes involved in brain function.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 21, 2025
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.

New study may help detect early signs of autism in the first year of life

Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateApr 15, 2025

Autism: The neural origin of the social bound

Scientists at UNIGE identified a defect in communication pathway between two brain structures, leading to rapid redirection of attention deficits. The discovery paves the way for better prediction of development and more targeted interventions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateApr 14, 2025

What new research revels about autism, stimming, and touch

Researchers studied active and passive touch tasks using virtual reality and EEG to better understand how people with autism process touch. The study found that individuals with autism showed little variation in brain response to active and passive touch, suggesting difficulty predicting consequences of actions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 14, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Autistic women need greater research and support in the motherhood process

The study highlights the need for better identification of autism in mothers and their children, as well as increased awareness of sensory reactivity and anxiety. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care and collaboration with diverse groups to break down barriers surrounding motherhood and diversity.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalAutism in Adulthood·TypeCase study·DateApr 11, 2025

Puberty triggers brain rewiring in genetic condition tied to autism

Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 10, 2025

HKU cross-disciplinary research reveals oral microbiota as promising screening tool for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A cross-disciplinary research team from HKU has found a connection between oral microbiota and ASD, identifying 11 bacterial species as potential biomarkers. The study developed a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for early detection, paving the way for non-invasive screening tools during dental check-ups.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025
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.

Tracking tiny facial movements can reveal subtle emotions in autistic individuals

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to track tiny facial movements that can help scientists better understand social communication in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism express emotions like everyone else but their facial expressions may be too subtle for the human eye to detect.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2025

Predictable visual stimuli as an early indicator for autism spectrum disorder in children

A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

New system for the early detection of autism

A new system for early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been developed using virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The system, which uses biomarkers related to behavior, motor activity, and gaze direction, achieves an accuracy of over 85%, surpassing traditional methods.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025
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.

Harder for a child with an NDD if the mother had a difficult childhood

A study by University of Gothenburg found that mothers' adverse childhood experiences increase risk of children developing ADHD and autism. In contrast, fathers' childhood experiences show no association with their children's neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers call for a broader approach to parental support.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNordic Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2025

First insights into how excitatory and inhibitory brain signals change as people age using wearable scanner

Researchers have developed a novel wearable brain scanner that measures high frequency brain waves, revealing changes in E-I balance with age. This new technology allows for unprecedented precision in studying brain function in young children, potentially leading to better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025

Face processing abnormalities identified in autism dog model

A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025
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.

McGill discovery sheds new light on autism, intellectual disabilities

A new study by McGill University researchers sheds light on the disruption of calcium transport in the brain's AMPA receptors, linking it to autism and intellectual disability. The findings could pave the way for treatments targeting these receptors, offering hope for patients with related neurological disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

A neural compass for fear: Mapping how the brain distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear

A research team has uncovered a fundamental brain circuit that distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear, with the locus coeruleus playing a crucial role in processing fear. The study reveals a lateralized LC-NAergic system that separates personal from socially learned fear, shedding light on empathy and social learning.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

Challenging long-held beliefs about eye contact in autistic children

A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

Using LLMS to understand how autism gets diagnosed

Researchers used large language models to analyze healthcare records of over 1,000 children with suspected autism, finding that current criteria prioritize socialization skills and not enough on interests and natural behaviors. The study suggests revising the criteria to focus more on repetitive behaviors and special interests.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How movement affects the way the brain processes sound and sight

A study by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee reveals how the brain dynamically adjusts sensory input prioritization depending on movement, with vision taking priority for navigation. The posterior parietal cortex and secondary motor cortex play key roles in this process.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Dr. Vikaas Sohal of The University of California, San Francisco receives a $130,000 SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) grant to explore therapeutic strategies for reversing cognitive deficits in SYNGAP1-related disorders

Dr. Vikaas Sohal's research focuses on cognitive flexibility and prefrontal gamma oscillations to improve cognitive function in individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders. The grant aims to confirm findings in Syngap1 mutant mice and explore new therapeutic strategies.

SourceSyngap Research Fund·DateMar 25, 2025
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Shorter waiting times for young children with autism

A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2025

Dr. Julia Dallman awarded SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) grant for SYNGAP1 research targeting gastro-intestinal treatment development

Dr. Julia Dallman has been awarded a $65,000 grant by the SynGAP Research Fund to screen pro-GI motility compounds for reducing gut transit time in her zebrafish SYNGAP1 model. The project aims to identify therapeutic options that can alleviate severe GI symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders.

SourceSyngap Research Fund·DateMar 18, 2025

Two factors could help close the hiring gap for autistic job seekers, VCU researcher finds

New VCU research suggests that employer neurodiversity training, coupled with candidates' disclosure of their autism diagnosis during the hiring process, can help level the playing field for autistic job seekers. The study found that such training persisted in improving hiring outcomes even two months after the training.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 14, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Job interviews can be a hurdle for autistic applicants

A new study by Maira E. Ezerins finds that autistic job applicants face increased anxiety in interviews and have concerns about their traits being viewed by employers. The research proposes concrete steps to improve the interview process, including flexibility, general questions, and skill showcases.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Management·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2025

Dr. Megan Abbott and the University of Colorado awarded $450,000 establishing a Clinical Research Center of Excellence that will also serve as a second site for SYNGAP1 ProMMiS

A new Clinical Research Center of Excellence will improve care for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders and expand the Natural History Study to include Prospective Multidisciplinary Multisite Study. The center, established at Children's Hospital Colorado, aims to accelerate research and provide specialized care.

SourceSyngap Research Fund·DateMar 11, 2025

Decoding the neural basis of affective empathy: how the brain feels others' pain

A study by Dr. Keum Sehoon's team identified key neural ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex that encode empathic freezing, a behavioral response to witnessing distress in others. The researchers found that observing another's pain triggers activation in the ACC as if the observer were experiencing pain themselves.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

ITSN1 gene linked to substantial risk of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers discovered genetic variants in ITSN1 significantly increase Parkinson's disease risk, especially among rare mutations. The study highlights ITSN1 as a promising therapeutic target and underscores the value of large-scale genetic sequencing.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Should I stay or should I go? Brain switchboard found

Researchers have identified three cell types in the median raphe nucleus that control decisions on perseverance, exploration, and disengagement. These findings may help understand neuropsychiatric conditions such as OCD, autism, and major depressive disorder.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025