Spectrum: Autism Research News

Activating certain receptors in the amygdala — a treatment that runs counter to a leading theory of what causes the condition — can reverse some traits in rats.

Animal models of autism rooted in exposure to maternal antibodies hint at different mechanisms.

Social memory, which may be altered in autism, depends on serotonin-sensitive neurons that send signals from the medial septum to the hippocampus.

Even partial loss of the gene impairs the mouse brain’s ability to respond to sensory experiences, which may explain why people with SYNGAP1 mutations tend to have learning difficulties and a high pain tolerance.

The possibility of microbial treatments for autism has inspired a burst of research and nascent clinical trials, but new research suggests these efforts rest on shaky scientific ground.

Fallout over two recent studies highlights the potential power of social media to shape science, and the shifting dynamics between researchers and the autistic community.

The hormone is no better than placebo at boosting social behavior in autistic children, according to a new study, but it may still benefit a subset of people with the condition.

The decision comes after a Spectrum survey found that most autism researchers did not plan to attend in person.

As academic conferences resume the option to attend in person, alongside virtual sessions, many autism researchers say they face a difficult choice.

Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 20 September.