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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Author

Angie Voyles Askham

News Writer

Angie Voyles Askham is a reporter for Spectrum, where she covers neural circuits and gene therapy, among other topics. She proposed and writes Spectrum Launch, a monthly newsletter for early-career researchers. Before joining Spectrum in 2020, she worked in radio journalism and academic publishing. Voyles Askham has a Ph.D. in neuroscience from NYU and a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. You can email her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter @avaskham.

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[email protected]

November 2021

Fragile X theory falters on amygdala test

by  /  10 November 2021

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.

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Auto-antibodies shape brain development in myriad ways

by  /  8 November 2021

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

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October 2021

Serotonin shapes social memory signals

by  /  26 October 2021

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

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Autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 molds synaptic plasticity, learning

by  /  21 October 2021

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.

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Illustration: microbes clumped together forming the shape of a brain. The microbes are pink, blue, aqua, and red. Set against a dark blue background.

Despite flurry of findings, doubts dog gut microbes’ role in autism

by  /  19 October 2021

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.

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Backlash from autistic community pauses research, exposes communication gaps

by ,  /  18 October 2021

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.

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Photo: A nasal spray bottle sprays upwards.

Intranasal oxytocin ineffective for autism in large trial

by  /  13 October 2021

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.

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Empty conference hall in blue light.

Society for Neuroscience cancels in-person meeting

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

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Photo of empty conference room with empty stage and podium in distance.

Few autism researchers plan to attend conferences in person this year: Survey

by ,  /  4 October 2021

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

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September 2021
Week of SeptemberSep
20th
2021

Spotted around the web: Parental age, autism-schizophrenia overlap, bumetanide trials

by , , ,  /  24 September 2021

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

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