Pregnancy
Brain ‘chimeroids’ reveal person-to-person differences rooted in genetics
These fusions created from multiple donors’ organoids may help scale up comparative brain research.
![Research image of a chimeroid.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chimeroid-Lede-1200-1024x692.webp)
Brain ‘chimeroids’ reveal person-to-person differences rooted in genetics
These fusions created from multiple donors’ organoids may help scale up comparative brain research.
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.
Immune-activation model mice escape infantile amnesia, retain early memories
Male pups born to mothers treated with immune-stimulating molecules show autism-like behaviors and, unlike wildtype animals, do not lose memories formed during early life.
![A research image of a mouse brain](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-spectrum-neuroscience-autism-transmitter-infantile-amnesia-copy-1024x683.webp)
Immune-activation model mice escape infantile amnesia, retain early memories
Male pups born to mothers treated with immune-stimulating molecules show autism-like behaviors and, unlike wildtype animals, do not lose memories formed during early life.
The true meaning of a null result
This edition of Null and Noteworthy highlights results that reveal the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions from data, including new findings about epidurals that contradict several others and an apparent null result on sex differences that may derive from “circular logic.”
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
The true meaning of a null result
This edition of Null and Noteworthy highlights results that reveal the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions from data, including new findings about epidurals that contradict several others and an apparent null result on sex differences that may derive from “circular logic.”
Atlas charts cells of human placenta, uterus across early pregnancy
A new resource gives an unparalleled look at how fetal placental cells attach to the uterine wall and remodel maternal blood vessels to access nutrients.
![A multiplexed image of human decidua.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-placenta-map-final-autism.png)
Atlas charts cells of human placenta, uterus across early pregnancy
A new resource gives an unparalleled look at how fetal placental cells attach to the uterine wall and remodel maternal blood vessels to access nutrients.
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
![Illustration of half of a brain on the left and half of a heart on the right](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-trends-heart-defects-autism-1.jpg)
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/lights_03-scaled.jpg)
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.
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.
Acetaminophen on trial over possible links to autism, ADHD
More than 100 parents who used the drug during pregnancy claim it caused their child’s autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, although the science behind the allegations is murky.
![A pregnant woman takes a pill.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pregnant-woman-acetaminophen-autism-844.jpg)
Acetaminophen on trial over possible links to autism, ADHD
More than 100 parents who used the drug during pregnancy claim it caused their child’s autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, although the science behind the allegations is murky.
A questionable study linked epidurals to autism. Then what?
Researchers and clinicians were quick to point out the flaws in the study, and a flood of work refuted it.
![Image of an epidural being administered.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-autism-epidural-questionable-study.png)
A questionable study linked epidurals to autism. Then what?
Researchers and clinicians were quick to point out the flaws in the study, and a flood of work refuted it.
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.