ADVERTISEMENT
Histology showing IL-6 expression
Immune Molecule Alters Cellular Makeup of Human Brain Organoids
The changes may help explain the link between maternal infection and autism, though more research is needed.
Immune Molecule Alters Cellular Makeup of Human Brain Organoids
Immune Molecule Alters Cellular Makeup of Human Brain Organoids

The changes may help explain the link between maternal infection and autism, though more research is needed.

The changes may help explain the link between maternal infection and autism, though more research is needed.

autism

A mutated cell with a spiky membrane
Mutations in Autism-Linked Gene Cause Membrane Mischief
Holly Barker, PhD, Spectrum | Jan 26, 2023 | 4 min read
Inactivating TAOK1 prompts tentacle-like protrusions to form all over a neuron’s surface, revealing the gene’s role in molding the membrane.
Coronal section of a brain
Immunity-Linked Genes Expressed Differently in Brains of Autistic People
Laura Dattaro, Spectrum | Jan 11, 2023 | 4 min read
Data from postmortem brain tissues adds to the evidence that inflammation is associated with autism.
Panels showing different kinds of microglia
Mapping Tool Reveals Microglia’s Shape-Shifting Secrets
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Dec 14, 2022 | 4 min read
The approach could help test hypotheses about how atypical function of the brain’s immune cells contributes to autism.
pregnant belly clad in hospital gown with IV line going into hand
Registry Review Casts Doubt on Causal Link Between Maternal Infection and Autism
Charles Q. Choi, Spectrum | Sep 26, 2022 | 4 min read
Maternal infection during pregnancy may be associated with autism, as previous studies have suggested—but perhaps not in a causal way.
A pregnant woman gets her blood pressure checked by a doctor
U.K. Health Authority Investigates Epilepsy Drug’s Link to Autism
Peter Hess, Spectrum | Aug 30, 2022 | 3 min read
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s investigation comes after a study showed prenatal exposure to topiramate roughly triples a child’s likelihood of having autism or intellectual disability.
Colorful DNA strands
Scans of Sundry Variant Types Uncover Autism-Linked Genes
Chloe Williams, Spectrum | Aug 19, 2022 | 5 min read
Troves of sequencing data reveal genes tied to autism through different variant types, providing a more complete picture of the condition’s genetic roots and new clues to its heterogeneity.
smiling woman with hands on hips with blackboard in background
In Deep Water With Gül Dölen
Peter Hess, Spectrum | Aug 4, 2022 | 10 min read
A researcher’s existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.
illustration of a branching neuron
Different Forms of Autism Have Opposite Problems with Brain Precursor Cells
Charles Choi | Jun 13, 2022 | 3 min read
Compared with cells taken from non-autistic controls, neural precursors from autistic boys proliferated in atypical ways, a small study finds.
illustration of a brain divided into 4 puzzle pieces
Why Autism Therapies Have an Evidence Problem
Rachel Zamzow | Apr 14, 2022 | 7 min read
Some experts argue that better trials are needed before putting interventions into practice.
illustration of multiple brain scan images
Power Shortages Dim Results of Many Neuroimaging Studies
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Mar 17, 2022 | 4 min read
Low participant numbers render the results of many studies based on brain scans unreliable, an analysis finds.
Illustration of scientists collaborating
How to Bring the Public into the Scientific Process
Amanda Heidt | Mar 14, 2022 | 10+ min read
A new wave of research is recruiting patients and other members of the public to serve as equal partners, bringing fresh perspectives to research on diseases and other conditions.
illustration of neurons in blue with synapses lighting up
Gut Molecule Linked to Decreased Myelination in Mouse Brains
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Feb 17, 2022 | 4 min read
A study shows that a molecule produced by intestinal microbes can enter the brain and that its presence is also associated with altered brain connectivity.
Deborah Nickerson
Genome Pioneer Deborah Nickerson Dies at 67
Amanda Heidt | Feb 9, 2022 | 3 min read
The University of Washington researcher leveraged data from the Human Genome Project to identify genes underlying various health conditions and advance precision medicine.
Microscopy image showing patches of magenta and green
Three Autism-Linked Genes Converge on Tweaks to Cells’ Timing
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Feb 3, 2022 | 3 min read
The genes are involved in pacing the development of inhibitory and excitatory neurons. An imbalance in these two types of signaling is thought to play a role in autism.
Artist's impression of the human microbiome
Diet Implicated in Autism-Microbiome Link
Ruth Williams | Nov 11, 2021 | 3 min read
The unbalanced gut flora present in some people with autism is not a driver of the condition but rather a consequence of eating behaviors characteristic of the condition, a new study claims.
Man in glasses smiling, looking off camera
Legendary Child Psychiatrist Michael Rutter Dies
Lisa Winter | Nov 10, 2021 | 3 min read
He discovered that autism had strong genetic links.
SYNGAP1 helps neurons eliminate old synapses and form new ones after a novel experience (left and center left)—a process weakened in mice missing a copy of the gene (center right and right).
Autism-Linked Gene SYNGAP1 Molds Synaptic Plasticity, Learning
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Oct 26, 2021 | 4 min read
The finding may help to explain why people with SYNGAP1 mutations tend to have learning difficulties and a high tolerance for pain.
One white mouse with red eyes runs on a blue exercise wheel, while another mouse stands with front paws on the wheel
Serious Infections Linked to Autism: Study
Abby Olena, PhD | Sep 17, 2021 | 5 min read
In both a mouse model and the hospital records of more than 3 million children, researchers found a connection between strong immune activation in males and later symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
A series of brain scans on a black background
How Scientists Are Tackling Brain Imaging’s Replication Problem
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Jul 9, 2021 | 6 min read
Researchers who spoke with Spectrum say that while brain imaging tools have their limitations, they still hold promise in helping to unlock the brain’s secrets. 
ADVERTISEMENT