Skip to main content

Spectrum: Autism Research News

News /

Toolbox

Emerging tools and techniques that may advance autism research.

Previous articles
August 2018

Two new sensors track chemical signals in brains of living animals

by  /  24 August 2018

Novel sensors enable researchers to monitor the activity of two signaling chemicals in the brains of living fruit flies and mice.

Comments
electrode cap on a styrofoam head model.

Multipart device monitors various senses in babies

by  /  17 August 2018

A new assemblage of tools precisely gauges a baby’s biological response to sights, sounds and tactile stimuli all at once.

Comments
Rhesus macaque making a funny face.

Three distinct brain systems underlie monkey social skills

by  /  10 August 2018

A new map shows three brain networks that govern social communication in rhesus macaques.

Comments

Technique tracks molecules that drive learning in brain

by  /  3 August 2018

A new method enables scientists to monitor the activity of key molecules involved in the growth and remodeling of connections in the brain.

Comments
July 2018

Machine rapidly sorts cells after learning their shape

by  /  27 July 2018

Researchers have developed a way to quickly sift through thousands of cells, isolating only those of interest.

Comments
A red and blue pattern of genes.

Algorithm flags harmful mutations in single copies of genes

by  /  20 July 2018

A new tool can predict a genetic problem called ‘haploinsufficiency’ in which a mutation impairs the function of one copy of a gene.

Comments

Glowing capsule illuminates problems in gut

by  /  13 July 2018

An ingestible electronic capsule enables researchers to instantaneously detect molecules associated with gastrointestinal issues.

Comments
neurons glow red or green, indicating how they work to control movements in mice

Tube of light illuminates groups of neurons in action

by  /  6 July 2018

Shining laser light into mouse brains reveals chatter among separate sets of neurons, showing how the cells produce complex behaviors.

Comments
June 2018
tangles of brightly colored RNA, DNA and enzymes

Refined versions of gene-editing tool increase its versatility

by  /  29 June 2018

Four new techniques expand the repertoire of the gene editor CRISPR.

Comments
Mom holding crying toddler

New parent surveys expand autism screening to infants, minorities

by  /  22 June 2018

Two new parent questionnaires could help clinicians identify autism in babies and in members of racial or ethnic minority groups.

Comments

Browse Articles by Topic

Click on the arrows or swipe to view topics.
  • Genes

    Genes

  • The Brain

    The Brain

  • Diagnosis

    Diagnosis

  • Signs and Symptoms

    Signs & Symptoms

  • Treatments

    Treatments

  • Environment

    Environment

  • Science and Society

    Science & Society