Spectrum: Autism Research News
Videos
News
Monkey with mutation in top autism gene shows social problems
The first monkey with a mutation in SHANK3, a top autism gene, is nearly 3; it spends its days circling its cage rather than interacting with other monkeys.
News
Monkey motion-capture reveals social behavior in 3-D
A monkey-sized jacket embedded with motion sensors — similar to technology used to animate creatures in movies — is helping researchers develop the common marmoset as a model for studying human social behavior.
News
Roundworm roundup may reveal function of autism genes
Tracking how roundworms crawl has enabled scientists to determine that many autism genes are involved in sensory processing and learning.
Features
Spectrum presents ‘Flying University: Women on the autism spectrum’
There's been an increasing awareness in American culture of autism and what it's like to be a person on the spectrum. Yet most of that discussion focuses on the experience of men, leaving unheard the voices of women. Join Caveat and Spectrum for three talks on dating, employment and race, by women on the spectrum.
Multimedia
How autism’s definition has changed over time
Don’t judge this book by its decidedly dull cover: Across its pages, some of the most dramatic changes in the history of autism have played out. This short animation chronicles how a diagnostic manual has defined and redefined autism over the years.
Toolbox
Wearable device accurately scans brains in moving people
A new neuroimaging device that is worn like a helmet enables researchers to map the functional activity of a person’s brain as she moves her head.
News
‘Syntax’ of mouse behavior may speak volumes about autism
An algorithm that decodes and quantifies mouse body language could reveal the brain circuits underlying certain autism features.
Multimedia
Technology from ‘Harry Potter’ movies brings magic of brain into focus
The same techniques that generate images of smoke, clouds and fantastic beasts in movies can render neurons and brain structures in fine-grained detail.
News
Wireless Miniscope ties seizures to spatial memory problems
A wireless miniature microscope lets researchers peer into the brains of mice as they run along a 25-foot track.