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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: learning and memory

June 2021
Dr. Huda Zoghbi portrait

Huda Zoghbi: Taking genetic inquiry to the next level

by  /  25 June 2021

Over the course of a career spanning more than three decades, Huda Zoghbi has won almost every major biology and neuroscience research award that exists. More than 20 years since she discovered the gene behind Rett syndrome, she remains laser focused on unlocking the condition’s secrets and finding effective treatments.

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May 2021
Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis stretching during a run.

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis: Running a marathon for fragile X syndrome

by  /  26 May 2021

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis has spent decades uncovering molecular clues to fragile X syndrome and crafting trials of treatments. Her efforts are paying off.

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April 2021
Colorful RNA in mouse brain slice

Tissue-swelling method divulges RNA locations, sequences in cells

by  /  28 April 2021

A technique that expands tissue before spotting and sequencing RNA — the molecular messenger for DNA — enables researchers to see where particular genes are expressed in cells.

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A group of six images of fruit fly brains show networks in green and pink.

Poor sleep could be core feature of autism, related conditions

by  /  15 April 2021

Fruit flies with low expression of a gene linked to neurodevelopment have disrupted sleep, poor memory and altered social behavior.

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March 2021
mouse brain neurons highlighted pink and green.

New technique tunes in to molecular chatter in neurons

by  /  11 March 2021

Researchers have devised a way to use fluorescent sensors to detect many different signaling molecules in a cell at once.

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February 2021
white mouse looking at something out of frame

New tool captures dynamic changes in decision-making

by  /  4 February 2021

A new open-source software package makes it possible to model changes in human and animal behavior over the course of an experiment.

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July 2020

Selective enzyme blocker eases fragile X traits in mice

by  /  10 July 2020

A new treatment prevents seizures and improves memory in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, according to a new study.

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May 2020

Extra proteins alter microglia and behavior in mice

by  /  29 May 2020

The overproduction of proteins in brain cells called microglia causes social impairments, cognitive deficits and repetitive behavior in male mice, a new study has found.

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March 2020
Illustration showing the human brain with neurons made out of flower shapes and the cerebellum highlighted in gold and yellow.

Brain’s motor hub plays unsung role in social skills, cognition

by  /  9 March 2020

Long known as the director of movement, the cerebellum may also coordinate social and cognitive abilities, including those central to autism.

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February 2020
Illustration shows child's head, with an EEG background, and a sleeping figure floating in the clouds above his head.

Sleep problems in autism, explained

by  /  6 February 2020

Many people with autism have difficulty falling and staying asleep, but there may be ways to help them.

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