Hypothalamus
Temperature tunes circadian timing in some desert mammals
Light has hogged all the attention in chronobiology research—but now, in camel, goat and mole rat experiments, temperature takes the lead.
![A man walks a dromedary camel down an outdoor walkway.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/camel-walking-1200-1024x692.webp)
Temperature tunes circadian timing in some desert mammals
Light has hogged all the attention in chronobiology research—but now, in camel, goat and mole rat experiments, temperature takes the lead.
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
![Photograph of an intimidating lab mouse.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-hypothalamus-circuits-bulyying-behaviors-1024x683.webp)
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
Gut microbes shape social behavior in autism mouse model
Treating mice missing the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2 with a strain of gut bacteria makes them more social but no less hyperactive.
![Scanning elecgron micrograph of Faecal bacteria.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210326-Microbiome-844.jpg)
Gut microbes shape social behavior in autism mouse model
Treating mice missing the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2 with a strain of gut bacteria makes them more social but no less hyperactive.
Common variants link autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome
Genetic variants that contribute to autism may also be involved in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome, according to a new study.
![four figures overlapping in red and blue with multi-colored genetic info](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20210201-TourettesOverlap-844.jpg)
Common variants link autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome
Genetic variants that contribute to autism may also be involved in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome, according to a new study.
Gut microbes may treat social difficulties in autism mice
Consuming Lactobacillus reuteri, a gut microbe found in yogurt and breast milk, may enhance social interactions in three mouse models of autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20190117-Microbe844Crop.jpg)
Gut microbes may treat social difficulties in autism mice
Consuming Lactobacillus reuteri, a gut microbe found in yogurt and breast milk, may enhance social interactions in three mouse models of autism.
Rebooting Becky’s brain
An electrical brain implant all but erased the obsessions that had consumed Becky Audette, years after her autism diagnosis. Could similar implants help other people with severe autism?
![Photo: Autistic woman Becky Audette lies on a couch under a purple blanket.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180912-BDS-lead844_844x570_acf_cropped.jpg)
Rebooting Becky’s brain
An electrical brain implant all but erased the obsessions that had consumed Becky Audette, years after her autism diagnosis. Could similar implants help other people with severe autism?
Electronic glow may disrupt sleep for people on the spectrum
Exposure to certain types of light at night may exacerbate sleep issues among people with autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Eletronic-Light.jpg)
Electronic glow may disrupt sleep for people on the spectrum
Exposure to certain types of light at night may exacerbate sleep issues among people with autism.
Imaging study links immune genes to anxiety
Mice missing any of 11 genes involved in the immune response show differences in brain anatomy that track with anxiety.
![Brain regions (yellow) altered by missing immune genes correlate with those involved in anxiety.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/20171112-ImmuneGene844.jpg)
Imaging study links immune genes to anxiety
Mice missing any of 11 genes involved in the immune response show differences in brain anatomy that track with anxiety.
Two drugs ease features of autism syndromes in mice
Drugs that block certain brain enzymes could help treat two conditions associated with autism.
![Microscope image of neuronal injections in brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/20171002-RNAi-MeCP2-844.jpg)
Two drugs ease features of autism syndromes in mice
Drugs that block certain brain enzymes could help treat two conditions associated with autism.
Cannabis candidate; omega add-on; oxytocin control and more
A cannabis gel may ease features of fragile X syndrome, omega fatty acids show promise for autism in two trials, and oxytocin reinforces social behaviors through the brain’s reward pathway.
Cannabis candidate; omega add-on; oxytocin control and more
A cannabis gel may ease features of fragile X syndrome, omega fatty acids show promise for autism in two trials, and oxytocin reinforces social behaviors through the brain’s reward pathway.
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.