Prenatal exposure to phthalates, chemicals found in many plastic products, is not associated with autism, even in otherwise high-risk groups. Environmental Health
When parents play with their babies, their brain activity mirrors changes in the baby’s visual attention. PLOS Biology
People who have intellectual disability, with or without autism, are more likely than people in the general population to be hospitalized for conditions that could have been treated by a primary-care clinician. Autism Research
The social hormone oxytocin binds to its receptor less than usual in a reward region of the brain in individuals with autism, according to a study of postmortem tissue. Translational Psychiatry
Mutations in CHD8, a top autism gene, appear to result in decreased axon and dendrite growth. Molecular Autism
In a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, neuronal structures do not change in response to increased sensory input, as happens in typical mice. Journal of Neuroscience
Science and society
A partial U.S. government shutdown could interrupt several scientific research programs. Nature
A federal judge in Texas ruled that the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is unconstitutional. Forbes
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for better detection and management of depression in women during and after pregnancy. Pediatrics
The U.S. National Institutes of Health is considering security measures to prevent intellectual-property leaks and foreign-government influence on research. Nature
Digital networks inspired by the human nervous system can, in turn, be used to simulate communication imbalances in autism, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. The Conversation
The movie “Rain Man” helped increase awareness of autism, but it is also a narrow depiction of people on the spectrum that perpetuates stereotypes. The Guardian
Parents of autistic children express frustration with the healthcare system and difficulty accessing specialist care. WCAI
A California judge dismissed a lawsuit against Craig Venter that claimed the geneticist stole trade secrets when he left his San Diego-based company Human Longevity in May. STAT
Researchers in China who commit scientific misconduct may soon face consequences that extend well outside of academia. Nature
Funding news
The advocacy organization 500 Women Scientists is launching a fellowship to support women of color who are leading projects in science, technology, engineering and math. 500 Women Scientists
Private funding can help fill gaps left by tightening budgets at federal agencies in the United States. The Scientist
We care about your data, and we'd like to use cookies to give you a smooth browsing experience. Please agree and read more about our terms and conditions.AGREE
By joining the discussion, you agree to our privacy policy.