Metabolism
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Susan-Masino-1200-1024x692.webp)
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
Rare autism-linked mutation starves growing neurons of essential nutrients
The mutation prevents certain amino acids from entering neurons, causing the cells to die early in development.
![Research image of the blood-brain barrier.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-autism-linked-mutation-neurons-nutrients.png)
Rare autism-linked mutation starves growing neurons of essential nutrients
The mutation prevents certain amino acids from entering neurons, causing the cells to die early in development.
Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition
Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.
![A photograph of an infant's foot.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844.jpeg)
Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition
Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.
Experimental drug shows promise for autism-linked syndromes
The drug quells seizures in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
![An adult administers a medication to an infant.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Soticlestat-trial-medicine-autism-844.jpg)
Experimental drug shows promise for autism-linked syndromes
The drug quells seizures in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Meet the company trying precision medicine for autism
Swiss biotech Stalicla hopes to bring precision medicine to autism. Experts praise efforts to identify autism subgroups, but evidence to support the company’s claims has yet to be seen.
![Brain made up of two different medicines](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Stalicla-treatment-autism-844.jpg)
Meet the company trying precision medicine for autism
Swiss biotech Stalicla hopes to bring precision medicine to autism. Experts praise efforts to identify autism subgroups, but evidence to support the company’s claims has yet to be seen.
Altering metabolic pathway spurs neuronal, behavioral changes in mice
Overexpressing genes involved in the pathway, which regulates protein quality, changes repetitive behaviors in the animals.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Fig3Puglielli-844.jpg)
Altering metabolic pathway spurs neuronal, behavioral changes in mice
Overexpressing genes involved in the pathway, which regulates protein quality, changes repetitive behaviors in the animals.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
![Stylized illustration combines flat color and 3D forms make up a mitochondria with human heads inside it.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/LeadMito844.jpg)
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
Diets may help autistic children with certain genetic profiles
No diet is likely to treat autistic people on a large scale, but diets based on a genetic profile may bring big benefits to a few.
![Illustration shows boy with bag of oranges, in landscape of food with DNA trailing around him](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191217-Gleeson844.jpg)
Diets may help autistic children with certain genetic profiles
No diet is likely to treat autistic people on a large scale, but diets based on a genetic profile may bring big benefits to a few.
Levels of brain chemicals may reflect severity of autism traits
The levels of four chemicals in the brain may distinguish autism and vary with its severity, according to a new study.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20190822-Metabolic844final-1.jpg)
Levels of brain chemicals may reflect severity of autism traits
The levels of four chemicals in the brain may distinguish autism and vary with its severity, according to a new study.
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.