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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Spotted around the web: Rat headphones; INSAR sessions online; TAOK1 gene

by  /  2 June 2023

WEEK OF
May 29th

  • Neurons can be categorized into distinct morphological subtypes based on their dendrites and axons, which may offer new insights into brain architecture. Nature Neuroscience
  • Astrocytes support neural function, synaptic maturation and myelin integrity, and astrocyte dysfunction is implicated in many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, according to a review article. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
  • Researchers were unable to replicate previously reported findings on the direct imaging of neural activity in anesthetized mice, they report in a preprint. bioRxiv
  • A new journal aims to examine “pathologized” aspects of research on communication and disability, its editors write in the inaugural issue. Journal of Critical Study of Communication and Disability
  • The International Society for Autism Research has announced that previously recorded INSAR 2023 sessions can be temporarily viewed online starting in June. International Society for Autism Research
  • Researchers have developed miniature headphones for rats, to deliver sound stimuli in sensory-processing studies. eNeuro

    Headphones that can be worn by rats.

    Sound control: Customized rat headphones enable researchers to deliver auditory stimuli with precision.

  • Language that seeks to persuade should be used with caution to avoid overselling scientific results. eLife
  • Data from the U.S.-based National Survey on Child Health show that autistic children are underserved compared with non-autistic children, and both groups experienced unmet health-care needs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Autism
  • The average time interval between first developmental screening and an autism diagnosis is more than two years in the United States. The Journal of Pediatrics
  • Mutations in the TAOK1 gene, linked to neurodevelopmental conditions, lead to reduced kinase activity and overly long protrusions in neuronal membranes. Spectrum reported on this morphological effect earlier this year. Trends in Neurosciences
  • Researchers have validated the Persian version of a minimum dataset for an autism registry. Annals of Medicine and Surgery
  • More research is needed on the validity and equity of telehealth autism assessments, according to a review article. Spectrum covered some of the preliminary evidence for remote autism evaluations last year. Assessment

Cite this article: https://doi.org/10.53053/LRDW2440


TAGS:   autism