Connectivity theory
Autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuit to change social behavior
Therapies that target the circuit could boost social activity, new findings suggest.
Autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuit to change social behavior
Synaptic overgrowth, hyperconnectivity may define autism subtype
Model mice of the subtype also show hyperactivity in a signaling pathway called mTOR, bolstering the idea that distinct forms of autism have different biological roots and may require different treatment approaches.
Synaptic overgrowth, hyperconnectivity may define autism subtype
Brain stimulation improves memory in autism mouse models
Jolting a bundle of nerve fibers deep in the brain restores learning and memory in mice with mutations of the autism-linked gene CDKL5.
Brain stimulation improves memory in autism mouse models
Autism mouse models cluster by brain activity pattern
Four subtypes lend new support to the idea that there isn’t a single ‘hallmark’ type of brain connectivity in people with autism.
Autism mouse models cluster by brain activity pattern
‘Neurons on a chip’ reveal patterns across autism-linked conditions
Activity patterns of neuronal networks link different genetic subtypes of autism that have similar traits, according to new unpublished research.
‘Neurons on a chip’ reveal patterns across autism-linked conditions
Gene mutations point to overlaps in brain connectivity for autism, schizophrenia
People who have large mutations associated with autism and schizophrenia share atypical patterns of brain connectivity, according to a new study, especially between areas that process sensory information.
Gene mutations point to overlaps in brain connectivity for autism, schizophrenia
Slow, disorderly brain waves may flag autism in toddlers
Certain patterns of electrical activity in the brain may signal autism in children with tuberous sclerosis complex, a related genetic condition.
Slow, disorderly brain waves may flag autism in toddlers
Autism mutation may disrupt brain structure by disabling mitochondria
Mice that lack a segment of chromosome 22 — a mutation associated with autism — have unusually sparse connections between brain regions.
Autism mutation may disrupt brain structure by disabling mitochondria
Communication in brain shows sex difference in autism
Autistic women show unusually strong connections, and autistic men unusually weak ones, between two brain regions.
Communication in brain shows sex difference in autism
The connectivity theory of autism, explained
A growing body of evidence suggests that autism involves atypical communication between brain regions, but how and where in the brain this plays out is unclear.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Rat neurons thrive in a mouse brain world, testing ‘nature versus nurture’
Neurons from the two rodents can wire up together to form functional circuits—all while maintaining some species-specific properties, two new studies show.
Rat neurons thrive in a mouse brain world, testing ‘nature versus nurture’
Neurons from the two rodents can wire up together to form functional circuits—all while maintaining some species-specific properties, two new studies show.
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.