Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• The high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet may be an effective treatment for young children with epilepsy. Scientific Reports
• Children with Rett syndrome have a lack of diversity of gut microbes, which correlates with clinical severity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• The tumor suppressor gene PTEN, implicated in autism, works at various cellular sites, which may account for its many biological functions. Cancers
• Autistic adults may have eating difficulties related to sensory issues, medical problems or rigidity of food preferences, but most learn to adapt. PLOS One
• A large population study in Denmark has found no link between smoking during pregnancy and having a child with autism. Autism Research
• Autistic toddlers do not pay attention to faces even when someone is speaking or looking directly at them, which suggests a lack of registering social cues rather than active avoidance. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
• Researchers have developed two publicly available mouse lines in which microglia gene expression can be controlled. eNeuro

Science and society

• A graduate of Tufts University’s veterinary school has filed a lawsuit claiming the school retaliated after she reported her department for data fabrication and animal abuse. Daily Beast
• Educating scientists about unconscious gender bias can lessen its influence on hiring and tenure committees. Vox
• Numerous scientists and research institutions accepted funding from Jeffrey Epstein after he was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution. BuzzFeed News
• The U.S. National Institutes of Health project All of Us, which aims to sequence genomes from 1 million people, will also provide genetic counseling to participants. Nature
• An autistic boy who couldn’t sit still on an airplane found many supporters in flight attendants and fellow passengers. WGNO
• Climate activist Greta Thunberg wrote in an Instagram post that her autism is her superpower. Teen Vogue
• Autistic students at West Chester University in Pennsylvania get workplace training by running an on-campus convenience store. The Philadelphia Inquirer
• An Iowa City, Iowa, gym offers autistic children an obstacle course and classes with few rules. The Gazette

Autism and the arts

• A new children’s book, “Adventures With Big E: Help With Hygiene,” is the first in a series designed for those with autism, anxiety or other developmental challenges. Mascot Books
• A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, high school teacher has been named ‘Outstanding Special Needs Art Educator’ for her individualized approach to her students. KYW

Publishing

• Two researchers give practical advice on registered reports, in which scientists submit experimental designs for peer review before conducting the work. Trends in Neurosciences