Baby sibs
Recent articles
Is excess brain fluid an early marker of autism?
Brain scans of hundreds of infants suggest that up to 80 percent of those with autism have unusual amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers are studying how this might contribute to the condition.
![A grid of four brain scans showing excess cerebrospinal fluid.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-CSF-trends-autism-lede-final.png)
Is excess brain fluid an early marker of autism?
Brain scans of hundreds of infants suggest that up to 80 percent of those with autism have unusual amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers are studying how this might contribute to the condition.
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
These scores — composite measures of a person’s autism-linked common genetic variants — cannot predict an autism diagnosis but could help researchers better understand the condition’s underlying biology.
![Illustration of DNA methylation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-polygenic-risk-scores-autism-explained.jpg)
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
These scores — composite measures of a person’s autism-linked common genetic variants — cannot predict an autism diagnosis but could help researchers better understand the condition’s underlying biology.
Whole-genome trove ties new genes, variants to autism
A massive update to the MSSNG dataset gives qualified researchers ready access to explore autism’s genetic architecture on a cloud-based platform.
![An illustration of doctors examining a larger-than-life DNA strand](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844_MSSNG_121122.jpg)
Whole-genome trove ties new genes, variants to autism
A massive update to the MSSNG dataset gives qualified researchers ready access to explore autism’s genetic architecture on a cloud-based platform.
Autism’s sex bias disappears after tracking trajectories
The male sex bias in autism may in large part be a product of how common diagnostic tools measure traits in boys versus girls at a single point in time, according to a new study.
![two toddlers, a boy and a girl, draw animals on a glass window in thin lines of blue, green and magenta.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/844-keywords-TK.jpg)
Autism’s sex bias disappears after tracking trajectories
The male sex bias in autism may in large part be a product of how common diagnostic tools measure traits in boys versus girls at a single point in time, according to a new study.
Brain’s early visual areas reflect autism’s heritability
Inherited genetic factors for autism influence brain development, new studies of autistic children and their younger siblings reveal.
![Two young children play with a tablet computer underneath a blanket fort](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/infant-visual-brain-development-844.jpg)
Brain’s early visual areas reflect autism’s heritability
Inherited genetic factors for autism influence brain development, new studies of autistic children and their younger siblings reveal.
Structural brain changes foretell language skills in autistic infants
Increased white-matter maturation tracks with stronger language abilities later in childhood, but the relationship with cortical thickness is less clear.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Microstructure-fiber-autism-844.jpg)
Structural brain changes foretell language skills in autistic infants
Increased white-matter maturation tracks with stronger language abilities later in childhood, but the relationship with cortical thickness is less clear.
Connecting autism-linked genetic variation to infant social behavior
Integrating genetic analyses into studies of babies’ brain development could help us understand how autism-related genes contribute to autism traits.
![Colorful illustration of child's brain with electrodes connected EEG wave patterns, DNA strand, and playing siblings.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/SPECTRUM_Polygenic_liability_844.jpg)
Connecting autism-linked genetic variation to infant social behavior
Integrating genetic analyses into studies of babies’ brain development could help us understand how autism-related genes contribute to autism traits.
Null and Noteworthy: Oxytocin, parental training, outcome assessments
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers open the case on acetaminophen and close it on oxytocin.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20210325-NullBlog-1-844.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Oxytocin, parental training, outcome assessments
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers open the case on acetaminophen and close it on oxytocin.
Infant siblings of autistic children miss language-learning clues
So-called ‘baby sibs’ watch adults’ faces just as much as children without autistic siblings do, but they don’t understand spoken language as well.
![Baby in mother's lap watching her mouth move as she talks.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MouthAttention-844.jpg)
Infant siblings of autistic children miss language-learning clues
So-called ‘baby sibs’ watch adults’ faces just as much as children without autistic siblings do, but they don’t understand spoken language as well.
Imaging study casts doubt on cerebellum’s role in autism during infancy
Connections between the cerebellum and brain networks do not seem to contribute substantially to the emergence of autism traits.
![Baby getting an MRI scan](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BiomarkersBaby844.jpg)
Imaging study casts doubt on cerebellum’s role in autism during infancy
Connections between the cerebellum and brain networks do not seem to contribute substantially to the emergence of autism traits.
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.