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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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March 2022
Micrograph of neuron dendrite segments.

Maternal sleep apnea may contribute to autism-like traits in rats

by  /  18 March 2022

Pups born to mothers that experience low oxygen during sleep have overactive mTOR signaling, which has been linked to some forms of autism.

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Four 3D brains showing areas highlighted in green and purple.

Power shortages dim results of many neuroimaging studies

by  /  16 March 2022

An overreliance on small studies with limited reproducibility has slowed the advancement of neuroimaging, a new analysis suggests.

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Dr. Ben Rein seen through the circle of a ring light with a skull and brain model.

The autism researcher firing up TikTok: A Q&A with Ben Rein

by  /  8 March 2022

In the lab, neuroscientist Ben Rein studies mouse models of autism. But on TikTok, he’s fighting pseudoscience about his field, one video at a time.

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Brain floating in red uetero-like space with virus

As the pandemic wanes, will autism diagnoses rise in its wake?

by  /  2 March 2022

Given the known link between severe maternal infections and autism, some scientists are investigating whether COVID-19 during pregnancy can affect a child’s neurodevelopment.

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Illustration of hand holding compass.

Spectrum Launch: Pivoting to industry, the importance of outreach, and the optimal number of grad students

by  /  1 March 2022

Andrew Jaffe, head of data sciences at Neumora Therapeutics, answers Spectrum’s questions about how his new career in biotech differs from his previous one in academia.

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February 2022

A new hub for participatory research: Q&A with Zachary Williams

by  /  22 February 2022

Last month, the International Society for Autism Research launched the INSAR Community Collaborator Request (ICCR), an online forum to foster collaborations between autistic people and autism researchers. Its creator, Zachary Williams, explains how researchers can make the most of this new resource.

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Micrograph of neurons with excess neurons due to excess MECP2 expression.

Protein complex points to new route to Rett syndrome

by  /  18 February 2022

Mutations in a newly identified protein complex that interacts with the Rett protein also lead to a Rett-like condition in mice, researchers say.

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Gut molecule linked to decreased myelination in mouse brains

by  /  14 February 2022

Targeting the molecule, 4EPS, with an experimental drug may be a way to ease anxiety for autistic people, the researchers say. But not everyone is convinced.

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Three autism-linked genes converge on tweaks to cells’ timing

by  /  2 February 2022

Mutations in all three accelerate the maturation of inhibitory neurons, which could upset the brain’s balance of excitation and inhibition early in development.

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January 2022
Micrograph showing distinct RNA species found in CA1 hippocampal neuronal cell bodies (yellow) and dendrites (red) undergoing compartmentalized RNA regulation.

Location prompts fragile X protein to flip its function

by  /  31 January 2022

The protein, FMRP, shapes cell signaling near synapses but switches to regulate genes in the cell body, according to new research.

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