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Recent articles

Synaptic protein’s shape-shifting skills propel plasticity

SYNGAP supports learning without tapping its eponymous “GAP” enzymatic activity, according to a new study.

By Angie Voyles Askham
29 February 2024 | 0 min watch
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Signaling pathways link autism, schizophrenia

Autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability share underlying deficits in pathways that regulate how the brain encodes new experiences, says Jason Shepherd.

By Jason Shepherd
27 May 2014 | 5 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

High-throughput screen finds genes that link neurons

A new algorithm allows researchers to search among hundreds of genes and identify those involved in building synapses, the junctions that transmit signals between neurons, according to a report published 14 March in PLoS One.

By Jessica Wright
30 April 2014 | 1 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Fluorescent proteins shine new light on cells

Researchers have found a new way to light up proteins in living cells, revealing the connections between neurons, according to a study published 19 June in Neuron.

By Jessica Wright
17 July 2013 | 2 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Rats could model autism gender bias

Prenatal exposure of rats to the epilepsy drug valproic acid leads to behavioral and brain features that resemble autism, in males more than in females, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry.

By Jessica Wright
9 April 2013 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Pruning path links autism, fragile X

The protein lacking in fragile X syndrome works with three autism-linked proteins to fine-tune the connections between neurons, according to a study published 21 December in Cell.

By Jessica Wright
1 February 2013 | 1 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Rett syndrome-linked gene maintains neuronal connections

A gene linked to some types of Rett syndrome is needed for the stability of connections between neurons, according to research published 4 September in Nature Cell Biology.

By Emily Singer
10 September 2012 | 4 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene tied to neuronal junctions

Neurobeachin, or NBEA, an autism–associated gene, may regulate the transport of signaling molecules to neuronal branches, according to a study published 22 November in Nature Communications.

By Jessica Wright
24 January 2012 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: SHANK2 mutants alter synapses

Three mutations in SHANK2, an autism-associated gene, each lead to abnormal synapses, the junctions between neurons, according to a study in Human Molecular Genetics.

By Jessica Wright
30 November 2011 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Fragments of RNA regulate synapse

Small fragments of RNA, called microRNAs, can fine-tune the levels of proteins at the junctions between neurons in response to cell signals, according to a study published 10 June in Molecular Cell.

By Jessica Wright
27 July 2011 | 2 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Violet-stained neurons in a serial transverse section from an embryonic spiny dogfish, a bottom-dwelling shark.

Digitization of ‘breathtaking’ neuroanatomy slide collection offers untapped research gold mine

Thousands of histological sections of vertebrate brains—including from spiny dogfish, turtles and more—are newly available online.

By Shaena Montanari
22 January 2025 | 3 min read
Research image of brain organoids with astroglia formation represented in green.

Personalized medicine; astroglia organoids; fast track for fragile X drug

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 January.

By Jill Adams
21 January 2025 | 2 min read
Illustration of clinicians, a pill bottle, a speech bubble and shadowy figures.

Neuroscientists need to do better at explaining basic mental health research

The knowledge gap between scientists, health-care professionals, policymakers and people with mental health conditions is growing, slowing the translation of basic science to new treatments. Like lawyers learning to present a case to the court, scientists should learn to educate nonscientists about their findings.

By Omar Abubaker, Karla Kaun, Eric J. Nestler
21 January 2025 | 7 min read