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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: fragile X syndrome

September 2023
Two mice touching.

‘Social touch’ responses in mice gauged with unprecedented control

by  /  19 September 2023

A new tool could help decipher the brain circuits underlying aversion to social touch, which is common in people with autism.

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Research image of neurons in mice.

Skewed signaling in striatum may spawn repetitive behaviors

by  /  6 September 2023

Synaptic changes in the brain region could drive a core trait of fragile X syndrome, a new mouse study suggests.

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August 2023
Research images of protein synthesis in mice.

Neuronal deafness to stress may add to protein surplus in fragile X

by  /  29 August 2023

A protective pathway that pauses protein synthesis is muted in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, according to a new study.

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A grid of four brain scans showing excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Is excess brain fluid an early marker of autism?

by  /  17 August 2023

Brain scans of hundreds of infants suggest that up to 80 percent of those with autism have unusual amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers are studying how this might contribute to the condition.

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July 2023
Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.

Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being

by  /  17 July 2023

This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.

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Unknown isoform adds twist to theory of fragile X origins

by  /  11 July 2023

Contrary to conventional wisdom, most people with fragile X syndrome express the FMR1 gene — albeit improperly.

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Illustration of a fragile X syndrome chromosome.

New gene-editing method flags fragile X mutation for repair

by  /  5 July 2023

The approach prompts cultured cells to correct the genetic mutation in fragile X syndrome using their own DNA repair system, but it still needs to be tested further.

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June 2023
Image of three developing axons.

Autism’s ties to the cell skeleton

by  /  22 June 2023

Many genes related to the condition play a role in the internal scaffolding of cells, and cytoskeletal disruptions can affect neurodevelopment and behavior.

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May 2023
Research image of neurons and astrocytes.

Astrocytes fuel erratic firing in fragile X neurons

by  /  10 May 2023

A shift in astrocyte secretions may explain the atypical firing patterns of neurons derived from people with fragile X syndrome.

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Photograph of white pills and blister pack on blue pastel colored background.

Trials of arbaclofen for autism yield mixed results

by  /  5 May 2023

Autistic children taking the drug showed improvements in some behaviors but not in their social skills.

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