Hearing
Recent articles
Touch sensors detect subtle environmental vibrations, send information to auditory midbrain
Pacinian corpuscles sense high-frequency vibrations from meters away and send the information to a different circuit than other touch signals, according to a pair of new studies.
![Research image of a Pacinian corpuscle in a mouse.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vibrations-1200-1024x692.webp)
Touch sensors detect subtle environmental vibrations, send information to auditory midbrain
Pacinian corpuscles sense high-frequency vibrations from meters away and send the information to a different circuit than other touch signals, according to a pair of new studies.
New technique details brainstem’s response to sounds
By revealing differences between autistic and non-autistic children, it could help identify autism in babies.
![Closeup photograph of an infant lying in a bassinet under white sheets with their left hand lifted close to their ear.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-auditory-brainstem.jpg)
New technique details brainstem’s response to sounds
By revealing differences between autistic and non-autistic children, it could help identify autism in babies.
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
![Single astrocyte on black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Astrocytes-fragileX-autism-844.jpg)
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
A well-studied brain response to sound appears earlier than usual in young children with autism.
![Dr. Edgar helps the participant prepare for the magnetoencephalography (MEG) exam.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/auditory-cortex-activity-autism-844.jpg)
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
A well-studied brain response to sound appears earlier than usual in young children with autism.
Top autism candidate gene tied to newly identified syndrome
Mutations in the autism-linked gene PAX5 underlie a range of traits, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures and autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/844_pax5.png)
Top autism candidate gene tied to newly identified syndrome
Mutations in the autism-linked gene PAX5 underlie a range of traits, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures and autism.
Loss of autism-linked gene alters synapse development in mice
Mice missing a copy of the gene ASH1L have excess synapses and autism-like behavioral differences, some of which are reversed by boosting an ASH1L-regulated gene.
![grid of 12 views of mouse neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/844_Fig3.jpg)
Loss of autism-linked gene alters synapse development in mice
Mice missing a copy of the gene ASH1L have excess synapses and autism-like behavioral differences, some of which are reversed by boosting an ASH1L-regulated gene.
Sensory issues linked to heart-rate differences in autistic youth
Autistic children with sensory issues show more intense physiological reactions to unpleasant sounds and other sensations than their non-autistic peers do, a new study shows.
![Person itching back of neck.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20100402-SensoryReact844.jpg)
Sensory issues linked to heart-rate differences in autistic youth
Autistic children with sensory issues show more intense physiological reactions to unpleasant sounds and other sensations than their non-autistic peers do, a new study shows.
Malfunctioning neurons mute sound processing in mouse model of Rett syndrome
Female mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene MECP2 in a specific set of inhibitory neurons have a hard time heeding pups’ calls and herding litters.
![Mouse with her pup](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MethylCpG-844.jpg)
Malfunctioning neurons mute sound processing in mouse model of Rett syndrome
Female mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene MECP2 in a specific set of inhibitory neurons have a hard time heeding pups’ calls and herding litters.
Infant hearing test might be sound predictor of autism
Babies who are later diagnosed with autism have a sluggish brain response to sound on a universal newborn hearing screen.
![Infant in hospital blankets undergoes a hearing test.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201203-AuditoryBrainstem-844.jpg)
Infant hearing test might be sound predictor of autism
Babies who are later diagnosed with autism have a sluggish brain response to sound on a universal newborn hearing screen.
Autistic toddlers do not tune in to sounds with others
Unlike typical toddlers, those with autism tend not to share experiences involving sound — dancing to music with their parents, for example, or calling attention to the source of a sound.
![Toddler vocalizing next to parent.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201005-JointAttention-844.jpg)
Autistic toddlers do not tune in to sounds with others
Unlike typical toddlers, those with autism tend not to share experiences involving sound — dancing to music with their parents, for example, or calling attention to the source of a sound.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.