Hyperactivity
Mental health issues emerge with shifts in autism traits across childhood
Anxiety and other challenges autistic children experience may stem from an increase in social-communication issues and a decrease in repetitive behaviors from ages 6 to 11.
Mental health issues emerge with shifts in autism traits across childhood
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Mouse model reveals root of breathing issues in rare form of autism
Dysfunctional circuits and a rogue sodium channel in the brainstem may explain the disordered breathing pattern seen in children with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a form of autism.
Mouse model reveals root of breathing issues in rare form of autism
Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism
The first animal model of MYT1L syndrome suggests that fast-maturing neurons lead to the unusually small brains, social deficits and other traits seen in people with the condition.
Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism
Stimulant restores cell signaling, eases behavior issues in animals missing autism gene
Worms and zebrafish missing both copies of the gene CHD7 have disrupted cellular signaling, a dearth of inhibitory neurons and behavior changes — all of which are reversed by the stimulant drug ephedrine.
Stimulant restores cell signaling, eases behavior issues in animals missing autism gene
Virus-based method manipulates inhibitory neurons in brains
A new viral tool can selectively control different types of neurons that dampen brain activity in rodents, monkeys and people.
Virus-based method manipulates inhibitory neurons in brains
Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people
Autistic people who are hyperactive or have difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show ongoing self-injury.
Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people
Traits of autism, attention deficit linked to small brainstem
The severity of autism tracks closely with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Traits of autism, attention deficit linked to small brainstem
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Visual perception improves in the blink of an eye
Blinking—long considered a problem the brain must overcome to produce seamless vision—may actually be more of a feature than a bug, new research suggests.
Visual perception improves in the blink of an eye
Blinking—long considered a problem the brain must overcome to produce seamless vision—may actually be more of a feature than a bug, new research suggests.
The Transmitter Launch: Industry internships, ‘Next Generation Leaders,’ and more
Working at a biotechnology or artificial-intelligence company is no longer an “alternative career” for researchers with a doctorate in neuroscience—plus jobs, training and funding updates for May.
The Transmitter Launch: Industry internships, ‘Next Generation Leaders,’ and more
Working at a biotechnology or artificial-intelligence company is no longer an “alternative career” for researchers with a doctorate in neuroscience—plus jobs, training and funding updates for May.
Some minimally verbal autistic people show signs of written-language familiarity, study suggests
But researchers not involved in the work worry the findings could be used to support discredited facilitated-communication techniques.
Some minimally verbal autistic people show signs of written-language familiarity, study suggests
But researchers not involved in the work worry the findings could be used to support discredited facilitated-communication techniques.