Autism

'Circular logic' of RNAs in Parkinson's disease

Researchers are gaining new insights into neurological diseases by studying circular RNAs (circRNAs) in brain cells. A new study has identified over 11,000 distinct RNA circles that characterized brain cells implicated in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease....
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Largest genetic study of brain structure identifies how the brain is organized

The largest ever study of the genetics of the brain -- encompassing some 36,000 brain scans -- has identified more than 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure.

Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function

Researcher discovers possible link of mitochondrial function to the development of schizophrenia.

Scientists reveal two paths to autism in the developing brain

Two distinct neurodevelopmental abnormalities that arise just weeks after the start of brain development have been associated with the emergence of autism spectrum disorder, according to a new study in which researchers developed brain organoids from the stem cells of boys diagnosed with the disorde...
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A new sensor shows brain cells making and then breaking contact

Researchers have developed a fluorescent sensor that may be useful for understanding how cells recognize themselves versus other cells when making connections in the brain. Specifically, their sensor can be used to visualize not only connections between cells, but also the disassociation of these in...
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Boosting certain brain cells diminished hypersensitivity in Fragile X mice

Study suggests modulating the activity of certain neurons could be an effective approach to restoring circuit function.

THC use during pregnancy linked to changes in fetal development

Researchers showed that consuming THC while pregnant could potentially affect development of the fetus and lead to life-long health impacts for offspring.

Antisense therapy restores fragile X protein production in human cells

An antisense therapy restores production of the protein FMRP in cell samples taken from patients with fragile X syndrome. This breakthrough was possible because of the novel findings, also presented in the study, that aberrant alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a principal role in fr...
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What marsupials can teach us about brain development

Research has revealed features of early human brain development are mimicked in the brains of marsupials.

Scientists discover how mutations in a language gene produce speech deficits

Researchers find mutations of the Foxp2 gene disrupt the formation of synapses in the brain's striatum, which plays important roles in the control of movement, in mice. A new study sheds light on how Foxp2 controls speech production.