Prefrontal cortex
Preprint questions validity of postmortem brain studies
But the alternatives, including living-brain biopsies, raise logistical and ethical questions, experts say.
Preprint questions validity of postmortem brain studies
People’s perceptions of ‘social’ animations don’t always square with researchers’ labels
The finding calls into question differences between autistic and non-autistic people on a decades-old theory-of-mind test involving interacting geometric shapes.
People’s perceptions of ‘social’ animations don’t always square with researchers’ labels
Neurons struggle to spike without fragile X gene
FMR1 loss impairs sodium channels, hindering mouse neurons from generating the electrical signals needed to transmit information.
Neurons struggle to spike without fragile X gene
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
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
Histone-modifying drug improves autism-like behaviors in mice
The experimental compound, called GSK-LSD1, enhances social preferences and reduces repetitive grooming in mice, according to a new study.
Histone-modifying drug improves autism-like behaviors in mice
Brain’s sensory switchboard has complex connections to autism
An atypical thalamus may underlie not only sensory issues in autism but also difficulties with social skills, attention and memory.
Brain’s sensory switchboard has complex connections to autism
Neural network captures noisy neurons in autism mouse model
Mice missing the autism-linked gene SHANK3 use more neurons to engage in social behavior than control mice do, reflecting a more disorganized, less efficient brain signaling network.
Neural network captures noisy neurons in autism mouse model
Single neurons may power key ‘theory of mind’ skills
A subset of brain cells signal when someone tries to infer another person’s thoughts, according to a new study.
Single neurons may power key ‘theory of mind’ skills
Sensor helps scientists spy on serotonin activity in mice in real time
A glowing protein tracks serotonin levels and location in the brains of living mice and could yield clues to the neurotransmitter’s role in autism.
Sensor helps scientists spy on serotonin activity in mice in real time
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.