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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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January 2021
Molecular model of histone protein which wraps up DNA strands.

New condition hints at structural protein’s role in autism

by  /  22 January 2021

Mutations in genes that encode a histone, which gives structure to chromosomes, can lead to developmental delay and congenital anomalies.

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How polygenic scores can improve predictions about autism, schizophrenia

by  /  19 January 2021

Jacob Vorstman wants to help people who have rare mutations tied to autism, schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental conditions set expectations about outcomes.

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Illustration of firing neurons.

Autism protein may shape neuronal firing patterns

by  /  14 January 2021

Cells with excess UBE3A, an autism-linked protein, have atypical firing properties that can be corrected by limiting the protein’s levels, according to new research.

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New gene therapy methods deliver promise

by  /  14 January 2021

Two unpublished studies detail improved techniques for delivering gene therapies to the brain.

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Mouse on gray background looks at something out of frame.

Inability to attend to cues may cause sensory challenges in fragile X mice

by  /  14 January 2021

Sensory problems in people with fragile X syndrome may stem from hyperactive neurons, a mouse model study suggests.

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Two top autism genes may have a mechanism in common

by  /  13 January 2021

Mutations in two genes linked to autism and intellectual disability boost the immune response and cause synapse dysfunction.

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Proteins present at neuronal junctions.

Repeat labeling helps reveal synaptic proteins

by  /  12 January 2021

A novel microscopy technique offers the most detailed look to date at the proteins present at neuronal junctions.

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Lab mice in cage

‘Litter effects’ may skew findings in mouse studies

by  /  11 January 2021

Even when they share identical genetic backgrounds, mice from separate litters show different patterns of development, according to a new study.

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lab mice

Mice with autism-related mutations show brain signaling imbalance

by  /  4 January 2021

Mutations in POGZ, a gene strongly linked to autism, lead to a signaling imbalance in multiple brain regions in mice, according to two new studies.

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December 2020
Depressed teenager sitting on floor in darkened hallway.

Co-occurring psychiatric conditions put autistic people at risk for self-harm

by  /  11 December 2020

Autistic people are at an increased risk for intentional self-harm and death by suicide, but co-occurring psychiatric conditions may drive those behaviors.

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