IMFAR 2012
Recent articles
Brain trust
Preliminary research shows that in people with autism, oxytocin enhances activity in brain areas that process social information.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/blog/OxytocinBrainImagingArticle.jpg)
Brain trust
Preliminary research shows that in people with autism, oxytocin enhances activity in brain areas that process social information.
In autism, head growth patterns vary by gender
Girls diagnosed with autism have slower brain growth in the first year of their life than typically developing children, whereas boys’ brains grow at the same rate as those of typical children, according to a population-based study in Norway.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/conference-reports/IMFARHeadSizeArticle.jpg)
In autism, head growth patterns vary by gender
Girls diagnosed with autism have slower brain growth in the first year of their life than typically developing children, whereas boys’ brains grow at the same rate as those of typical children, according to a population-based study in Norway.
New report finds DSM-5 criteria unlikely to exclude many
Contrary to previous studies, preliminary results from field trials of the new criteria for diagnosing autism suggest it will capture people on the high-functioning end of the spectrum.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/IMFARDSM5Article.jpg)
New report finds DSM-5 criteria unlikely to exclude many
Contrary to previous studies, preliminary results from field trials of the new criteria for diagnosing autism suggest it will capture people on the high-functioning end of the spectrum.
Early data suggest antibiotic helps treat fragile X syndrome
Preliminary results from a placebo-controlled trial of the antibiotic minocycline in children with fragile X syndrome suggest the drug alleviates some aspects of the disorder, according to research presented Friday at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Toronto.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/conference-reports/MinocyclineArticle2.jpg)
Early data suggest antibiotic helps treat fragile X syndrome
Preliminary results from a placebo-controlled trial of the antibiotic minocycline in children with fragile X syndrome suggest the drug alleviates some aspects of the disorder, according to research presented Friday at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Toronto.
Why it’s good to share your data
Neuroscience funding has plateaued, so researchers need to squeeze every drop from existing data.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/conference-reports/IMFARBudgetNIMHArticle.jpg)
Why it’s good to share your data
Neuroscience funding has plateaued, so researchers need to squeeze every drop from existing data.
Long-term project charts methylation patterns in pregnancy
By studying pregnant women who already have a child with autism, researchers hope to understand how epigenetic changes — those that affect gene expression but don’t directly alter DNA — during pregnancy influences risk of the disorder.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/conference-reports/IMFAREARLIArticle.jpg)
Long-term project charts methylation patterns in pregnancy
By studying pregnant women who already have a child with autism, researchers hope to understand how epigenetic changes — those that affect gene expression but don’t directly alter DNA — during pregnancy influences risk of the disorder.
Giving fathers oxytocin boosts levels in babies
Two new studies on oxytocin, the so-called ‘trust hormone,’ suggest new avenues for using the drug to treat autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/conference-reports/IMFAROxytocinArticle.jpg)
Giving fathers oxytocin boosts levels in babies
Two new studies on oxytocin, the so-called ‘trust hormone,’ suggest new avenues for using the drug to treat autism.
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.