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Spectrum: Autism Research News

News Archive

February 2023
Research image showing the presence of several proteins in neurons.

Protein networks identified in autism-linked genetic deletion

by  /  28 February 2023

The OTUD7A gene, which may account for some traits in people missing a segment of chromosome 15, appears to interact with several known autism-linked genes.

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Many mouths making conversation, with speech bubbles in red and blue.

Community Newsletter: Faulty enrichment analyses; wearable tool; peer-review backlog

by  /  26 February 2023

This week, researchers on Twitter discussed false results in gene expression studies, a wearable neuron-recording device, and paper-publishing requirements.

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A crowded street in Edinburgh

Neurodiversity conference aims to link research, lived experience

by  /  24 February 2023

The “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” conference draws neurodiversity researchers, clinicians and community members to Scotland, where they plan to discuss interdisciplinary, transdiagnostic work.

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Illustration of a series of pills in petri dishes laid out to look like a descending line graph.

Biotech downturn hurts companies targeting autism-linked conditions

by  /  23 February 2023

After a year of intense growth, funding for biotech is in decline. The result is layoffs and program cuts — and maybe some innovation.

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A photograph of an infant's foot.

Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition

by  /  21 February 2023

Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.

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Speech bubble formed by a network of communication

Community Newsletter: Rare genetic variants; shape-shifting microglia; telehealth diagnoses

by  /  19 February 2023

Tweets this week consider new research on how rare gene variants contribute to complex traits and microglia change their shape, plus views on diagnosing autism virtually.

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an image of a neuron

Neurons struggle to spike without fragile X gene

by  /  17 February 2023

FMR1 loss impairs sodium channels, hindering mouse neurons from generating the electrical signals needed to transmit information.

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Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.

Null and Noteworthy: Busting biomarkers; going after GABA; reproducibility illusion

by  /  16 February 2023

In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, scientists find little to be excited about in research on biomarkers for neurodevelopmental conditions.

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Research image of cell bodies of rett-like neurons, some of which were treated with epigenome editors.

Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons

by  /  16 February 2023

The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.

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Headshot of Wendy Chung.

Simons Foundation clinical research head Wendy Chung to lead Boston Children’s pediatrics department

by  /  14 February 2023

Chung, a clinical and molecular geneticist, plans to continue serving as principal investigator of two large research projects involving cohorts of people with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

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