SFN 2019
Loss of insulation on neurons may contribute to autism
Genes involved in the formation of myelin, a fatty substance that sheathes neurons, are altered in autistic people and in several mouse models.
![Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) showing several unmyelinated (green) and myelinated (green with blue border) axons. Schwann cell cytoplasm is red and a nucleus (bottom left) is yellow. The pink lines are the basement membranes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Myelin844.jpg)
Loss of insulation on neurons may contribute to autism
Genes involved in the formation of myelin, a fatty substance that sheathes neurons, are altered in autistic people and in several mouse models.
In brain imaging studies of autism, location may alter results
A new analysis hints at the source of the rampant inconsistency among brain imaging studies in autism: significant differences among study sites.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fMRI_Replication-844.jpg)
In brain imaging studies of autism, location may alter results
A new analysis hints at the source of the rampant inconsistency among brain imaging studies in autism: significant differences among study sites.
Spheres of brain cells may offer crystal ball for autism’s origins
Researchers have monitored the active genome in brain organoids over the course of nearly two years — and may find clues to autism’s roots.
![Micrograph of brain organoid in green and red](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Organoid-844.jpg)
Spheres of brain cells may offer crystal ball for autism’s origins
Researchers have monitored the active genome in brain organoids over the course of nearly two years — and may find clues to autism’s roots.
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.
Takeaways from SfN 2019
Thousands of research presentations, five days: Spectrum looks back at the 2019 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Chicago.
![Nightime view of the skyline of downtown Chicago](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Takeaway-844.jpg)
Takeaways from SfN 2019
Thousands of research presentations, five days: Spectrum looks back at the 2019 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Chicago.
Brain scans from one person build reliable map of brain activity
Mapping brain activity in one person doing multiple tasks creates a more accurate picture of the brain than averaging the brain activity of multiple people doing a single task.
![Group of 6 brains show sections colored differently](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/fMRI-844.jpg)
Brain scans from one person build reliable map of brain activity
Mapping brain activity in one person doing multiple tasks creates a more accurate picture of the brain than averaging the brain activity of multiple people doing a single task.
Drug counteracts effects of doubled autism gene
An experimental drug tamps down the expression of a gene duplicated in an autism-related condition and restores typical behavior in mice.
![micrographs of brain areas in red.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/MECP2-844.jpg)
Drug counteracts effects of doubled autism gene
An experimental drug tamps down the expression of a gene duplicated in an autism-related condition and restores typical behavior in mice.
Mass-produced organoids hint at diversity of autism
Researchers have analyzed thousands of brain organoids derived from six autistic people, gaining the potential to rapidly screen drugs.
![Group of four organoid images](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Organoid844.jpg)
Mass-produced organoids hint at diversity of autism
Researchers have analyzed thousands of brain organoids derived from six autistic people, gaining the potential to rapidly screen drugs.
Leaky mitochondria may play central role in fragile X syndrome
Some traits of fragile X syndrome may be due to problems with mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories.
![Mitochondrion, coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM). Mitochondria are a type of organelle found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They oxidise sugars and fats to produce energy in a process called respiration. A mitochondrion has two membranes, a smooth outer membrane and a folded inner membrane. The folds of the inner membrane are called cristae, and it is here that the chemical reactions to produce energy take place. Magnification: x62,800 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Mitochondria-844.jpg)
Leaky mitochondria may play central role in fragile X syndrome
Some traits of fragile X syndrome may be due to problems with mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories.
Rat model mimics communication problems in Angelman syndrome
Rats missing UBE3A, the gene mutated in people with Angelman syndrome, squeak frequently but tend not to be responsive to the play and squeaks of other rats.
![UBE3A](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/UBE3Arat-844.jpg)
Rat model mimics communication problems in Angelman syndrome
Rats missing UBE3A, the gene mutated in people with Angelman syndrome, squeak frequently but tend not to be responsive to the play and squeaks of other rats.
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.