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Spectrum: Autism Research News

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Emerging tools and techniques that may advance autism research.

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October 2016
Using CRISPR to switch on specific genes makes mouse skin cells morph into neurons.

CRISPR hacks expand uses of gene-editing toolbox

by  /  28 October 2016

Tweaks to the popular gene-editing tool allow researchers to forge neurons from skin, swap the chemical tags on genes, and more.

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boy reading book under covers with flashlight

Tests unmask key traits in people with intellectual disability

by  /  21 October 2016

A set of seven standard tests can accurately assess cognitive capacities in people with various types of intellectual disability.

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Chemical cocktail creates microglia on demand

by  /  14 October 2016

A new method transforms lab-made stem cells into microglia, the brain’s immune cells.

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modified version of CRISPR enters the cell nucleus only after it receives a chemical cue

Molecular ‘sandwich’ serves as switch for CRISPR

by  /  7 October 2016

Tucking CRISPR between two molecules allows researchers to toggle the gene-editing tool on and off.

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September 2016

Barcode trick traces paths of thousands of neurons in brain

by  /  30 September 2016

A new method labels neurons with barcodes to deduce their routes through the brain.

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Injected into the brain, silicon net slyly spies on neurons

by  /  27 September 2016

A new injectable electronic mesh enables researchers to gently eavesdrop on the chatter of hundreds of neurons inside the brain.

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Method maps position of thousands of active genes in brain

by  /  23 September 2016

A new technique acts as a genetic geolocator, pinpointing the precise location of genes that are expressed in the brain.

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Quick, cheap tests decode fragile X mutation

by  /  14 September 2016

An inexpensive new set of tests allows researchers to rapidly analyze the genetic glitch underlying fragile X syndrome.

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Chemical brew lets scientists see through bodies, brains

by  /  7 September 2016

A potent chemical cocktail renders tissue transparent in a way that makes even buried brain structures visible.

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Glowing cells bolster search for fragile X drugs

by  /  2 September 2016

A new genetic trick allows researchers to quickly spot the most promising treatments for fragile X syndrome among thousands of candidate compounds.

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