Three studies suggest that microglia, the brain’s immune cells, join forces with neurons in a sex-specific manner.

Injecting stem cells into young rats makes them more social and flexible when learning tasks than before the treatment.

Switching off a specific set of neurons that dampen brain activity causes mice to lose interest in social interaction.

Researchers have identified DNA segments that can help them manipulate mouse brain regions with an unprecedented level of specificity.

A widely used technique for identifying subtypes of neurons in the brain may be flawed, and may have provided incorrect tallies of a key neuron type in autism.

A new tool allows researchers to simultaneously study the physical, genetic and electrical properties of individual neurons.

Researchers have uncovered 38 genes, including 9 autism candidates, that may fine-tune brain activity.

Researchers have documented the shape and electrical activity of more than 2,000 neurons in the mouse brain, and charted the connections between them.

An immune molecule that helps defend people from infection with viruses or bacteria may also keep brain activity in check, allowing people to be social.

There are hints that transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses electricity to change how brain cells function, might improve the symptoms of autism. But hopes are running way ahead of the facts.