Microcephaly

Recent articles

Research image of fetal macaque brains.

Brain patterning in utero may be implicated in autism, other conditions

Genes tied to several conditions are expressed in regions that control neural stem cell fate within the first few months post-conception.

By Chloe Williams
1 August 2024 | 6 min read
A research image of autism-linked genes.

Autism-linked perturbations converge on cell skeleton and RNA-binding proteins

The findings solidify the idea that autism-linked mutations affect brain activity by way of several key shared mechanisms.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
29 February 2024 | 4 min read
A research image of a mouse hippocampus

Some social issues in DYRK1A model mice stem from faulty inhibitory circuits

Alterations in inhibitory circuits and difficulties in social recognition characterize mice missing one copy of DYRK1A, a gene linked to autism.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
11 October 2023 | 4 min read
A photograph of an infant's foot.

Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition

Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.

By Lauren Schenkman
21 February 2023 | 5 min read

Mice without DDX3X are slow to grow neurons

The gene helps neurons exit the cell-maturation cycle during fetal brain development, a new study shows. But male and female mice respond differently to DDX3X loss.

By Laura Dattaro
17 June 2022 | 4 min read
Two colorful mouse neurons seen side by side on black, one has a mutation.

Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism

The first animal model of MYT1L syndrome suggests that fast-maturing neurons lead to the unusually small brains, social deficits and other traits seen in people with the condition.

By Peter Hess
5 October 2021 | 5 min read
Immature inhibitory cells surround mature neuron.

Critical time window flagged for autism gene’s influence

A transplant of inhibitory neurons during the second week of life prevents social difficulties and a brain signaling imbalance in mice missing a copy of FOXG1.

By Laura Dattaro
16 July 2021 | 4 min read
Two views of mouse brain slices colorized in green and red.

Jump-starting growth signaling reverses microcephaly in autism mouse model

A genetic therapy and an existing drug both restore typical brain size in mice missing DYRK1A, a top autism candidate gene, in the cerebral cortex, a new study shows. The animals typically have smaller brains than controls.

By Peter Hess
29 April 2021 | 4 min read
Brain organoid with multiple stains; red and green, to indicate cells.

New method probes genes’ function in brain organoids

A screening technique tests how inactivated genes affect spheres of cultured brain cells; it could shed light on autism-linked mutations.

By Chloe Williams
16 December 2020 | 4 min read
Illustration shows heads and brains inside at various sizes.

Autism’s relationship to head size, explained

Some people with autism have an unusually large head. What causes the enlargement? And does it have any bearing on outcome?

By Michael Marshall
9 April 2020 | 6 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of the outlines of several different animals—including a fish, an insect and a rabbit—each filled in with a different color and overlaid with abstract patterns, lines and shapes.

Premature declarations on animal consciousness hinder progress

Overstating the evidence in support of animal consciousness could impede efforts to develop more accurate ways of assessing it.

By Hakwan Lau
18 November 2024 | 5 min read
Research image of a portion of mouse brain.

Stress warps fear memories in multiple ways

Expanding the bounds of a fear memory or linking it to a neutral memory can shape a mouse’s fear response, two new studies show.

By Claudia López Lloreda
15 November 2024 | 5 min read
Illustration of overlapping silhouettes of two faces in profile facing a matrix of dots of various colors and sizes.

How to be a multidisciplinary neuroscientist

Neuroscience subfields are often siloed. Embracing an integrative approach during training can help change that.

By Austin Coley
15 November 2024 | 5 min read