Fever
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase child’s chance of having autism, study finds
The link reported in prior studies likely reflects confounding factors, which sibling-matched controls in the new work address.
![Illustration of a conveyor belt spilling pills over a green cliff face.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Acetaminophen-news-1200-1024x692.webp)
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase child’s chance of having autism, study finds
The link reported in prior studies likely reflects confounding factors, which sibling-matched controls in the new work address.
Evidence linking acetaminophen to autism, ADHD under debate again
As acetaminophen lawsuits make their way through the U.S. court system, researchers reevaluate the quality of the evidence linking in-utero exposure to the painkiller to neurodevelopmental issues in children.
![A woman stands by a window while talking on the phone and holding a pill bottle.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-acetaminophen-in-utero-exposure-autism.png)
Evidence linking acetaminophen to autism, ADHD under debate again
As acetaminophen lawsuits make their way through the U.S. court system, researchers reevaluate the quality of the evidence linking in-utero exposure to the painkiller to neurodevelopmental issues in children.
Fever doesn’t ease challenging traits in most autistic children
The findings contradict a previous study, whose design may have been biased to find an effect.
![Child in dark room with thermometer showing 100.8.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fever-Health-tracking-autism-844.jpg)
Fever doesn’t ease challenging traits in most autistic children
The findings contradict a previous study, whose design may have been biased to find an effect.
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
![White lab mouse sitting in a gloved hand.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200924-SUDEP-Dravet-844.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
Epidurals linked to slightly higher autism odds, but connection is unclear
Women who receive epidural anesthesia during labor have an elevated chance of having a child with autism, a new study has found. But it is too soon for doctors to recommend against epidurals, experts say.
![Young woman during birth.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201013-Epidural844.jpg)
Epidurals linked to slightly higher autism odds, but connection is unclear
Women who receive epidural anesthesia during labor have an elevated chance of having a child with autism, a new study has found. But it is too soon for doctors to recommend against epidurals, experts say.
Hormone level in infants may predict autism diagnosis
Infants with low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their cerebrospinal fluid may be more likely to later be diagnosed with autism.
![baby grasping an adult hand](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200504-Vasopressin-844.jpg)
Hormone level in infants may predict autism diagnosis
Infants with low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their cerebrospinal fluid may be more likely to later be diagnosed with autism.
Fever’s immune effect on brain may ease autism traits
An immune molecule produced during a fever improves sociability in three mouse models of autism.
![Small child with fever has his temperature checked](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fever-844.jpg)
Fever’s immune effect on brain may ease autism traits
An immune molecule produced during a fever improves sociability in three mouse models of autism.
How pregnancy may shape a child’s autism
Autism is predominantly genetic in origin, but a growing list of prenatal exposures for mother and baby may sway the odds.
![Siblings, a baby and a toddler, play together at home.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181205-PregnancyKIDS844.jpg)
How pregnancy may shape a child’s autism
Autism is predominantly genetic in origin, but a growing list of prenatal exposures for mother and baby may sway the odds.
Study linking acetaminophen use to language delay is preliminary, experts say
Women who take acetaminophen — commonly marketed as Tylenol in the United States — early in pregnancy may increase their daughters’ risk of language delay.
![asian child and mother together in a park](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20180212-Language844.jpg)
Study linking acetaminophen use to language delay is preliminary, experts say
Women who take acetaminophen — commonly marketed as Tylenol in the United States — early in pregnancy may increase their daughters’ risk of language delay.
Genetic hotspot; big brain collaboration; funding fall and more
A gene called TRIO may be a hotbed for autism mutations, an international collaboration focuses on the whole brain and one behavior, and Autism Speaks cuts grant spending.
Genetic hotspot; big brain collaboration; funding fall and more
A gene called TRIO may be a hotbed for autism mutations, an international collaboration focuses on the whole brain and one behavior, and Autism Speaks cuts grant spending.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.