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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: optogenetics

December 2015

What’s the hardest part of an autism researcher’s job?

by  /  22 December 2015

Scientists dish about the biggest challenges they face as they tackle tough questions about autism.

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Molecular switch lets light shut off subsets of brain signals

by  /  16 December 2015

A tool kit of light-sensitive proteins allows researchers to mute communication between specific sets of neurons in mice.

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Week of DecemberDec
7th
2015

Outgrowing autism; scrutinizing cells; editing history

by  /  11 December 2015

Some children who ‘outgrow’ autism may not have had it to begin with; researchers are wasting time and money studying the wrong cells; and talk about CRISPR’s future stirs up the past.

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November 2015

Glowing proteins may replace probes for controlling neurons

by  /  11 November 2015

A new method uses luminescent proteins to switch neurons on or off in the brains of freely moving rats.

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October 2015

Blue light used for optogenetics may have off-target effects

by  /  18 October 2015

Tiny pulses of blue light dampen the expression of inflammatory genes in microglia, and may cause unplanned effects when using optogenetics.

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Homemade ‘Miniscope’ lights up firing neurons in mobile mice

by  /  18 October 2015

A miniature microscope made from cheap, ‘off-the-shelf’ parts can track firing neurons in the brains of freely moving mice.

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August 2015

Remote control for rodent behavior dispenses drugs

by  /  19 August 2015

A new device lets researchers wirelessly stimulate the brains of rodents as they explore their cages, and can deliver drugs at the same time. Its use could identify brain circuits that mediate autism-like behaviors.

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July 2015

Rodent learning sheds light on missed social cues in autism

by  /  28 July 2015

Many people with autism have trouble interpreting and responding to social cues. Studying how rats learn from each other can provide insights into the human social brain, says Amiel Rosenkranz.

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May 2015
Week of MayMay
11th
2015

Spotted: Bright idea; IMFAR frenzy

by  /  15 May 2015

This sweet story behind optogenetics will inspire you, and autism experts swarm Salt Lake City.

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November 2014

See-through sensor offers window into brain activity

by  /  26 November 2014

A transparent sensor crafted from thin sheets of carbon allows researchers to record brain activity in mice, reports a paper published 20 October in Nature Communications.

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