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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: stem cells

November 2016

Merging ‘mini-brains’ recapitulates brain’s electrical balance

by  /  15 November 2016

Fusing two spheres of neurons that either ramp up or tamp down brain activity yields neural networks like those in the developing brain.

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‘Mini-brains’ may mimic only early brain development

by  /  15 November 2016

Gene expression in so-called ‘organoids’ resembles the pattern seen in the first few weeks of a developing brain.

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Stem cell transplant makes rats more social

by  /  14 November 2016

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

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October 2016

Drug duo may reverse effects of Rett mutations in cells

by  /  21 October 2016

A pair of existing drugs normalizes the appearance and activity of neurons derived from the skin of individuals with Rett syndrome.

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Webinar: Alysson Muotri discusses stem cell research in autism

 /  19 October 2016

Watch the complete replay of Alysson Muotri, whose webinar focuses on how stem cell research can provide insight into human neurodevelopment and the social brain.

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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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September 2016
Two parents look at a frame held by a mysterious salesman-like hand. Within the frame, the picture of a glorious horizon. The tone suggests that not everything is as it seems.

The seekers: Why parents try fringe therapies for autism

by  /  21 September 2016

Many parents resort to unproven — even dangerous — alternative treatments for their children’s autism. What drives them?

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Tooth fairy delivers drug target for boosting social interest

by  /  16 September 2016

Cells derived from the dental pulp of children with Williams syndrome hint at a treatment approach for autism.

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Mice missing top autism gene make their debut

by  /  12 September 2016

Mice lacking one copy of CHD8, a key autism gene, show signs of social deficits and broad changes in gene expression.

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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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