RTNS 2012
Recent articles
Better tools needed to assess clinical trials
The past few years have seen an unprecedented number of clinical trials for experimental drugs to treat autism-related disorders, most notably for fragile X syndrome. But as the trials progress, scientists are calling for better methods to measure the drugs’ effectiveness.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/ChallengesClinicalTrialsArticle.jpg)
Better tools needed to assess clinical trials
The past few years have seen an unprecedented number of clinical trials for experimental drugs to treat autism-related disorders, most notably for fragile X syndrome. But as the trials progress, scientists are calling for better methods to measure the drugs’ effectiveness.
Trials and tribulations
Clinical trials for fragile X drugs should include a behavioral therapy component, says a parent of a child with the disorder.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/blog/CTsBehavioralTherapyArticle.jpg)
Trials and tribulations
Clinical trials for fragile X drugs should include a behavioral therapy component, says a parent of a child with the disorder.
Compensatory mechanisms
Identifying genetic and other factors that protect children at risk of autism from developing the disorder could provide new avenues for treatment.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/blog/CompensatoryMechArticle.jpg)
Compensatory mechanisms
Identifying genetic and other factors that protect children at risk of autism from developing the disorder could provide new avenues for treatment.
Debate over quality of adult-derived stem cells rages on
As the use of induced pluripotent stem cells grows, researchers are searching for ways to make them behave more predictably.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/ipsCellsArticle.jpg)
Debate over quality of adult-derived stem cells rages on
As the use of induced pluripotent stem cells grows, researchers are searching for ways to make them behave more predictably.
Complex case
Multiple levels of complexity make it challenging to develop drugs to treat autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/blog/LevelsofComplexityArticle.jpg)
Complex case
Multiple levels of complexity make it challenging to develop drugs to treat autism.
Fast-forward
In the last three years, autism researchers have gone from sequencing single genes to whole exomes, as highlighted at the Translational Neuroscience Symposium in Switzerland last week.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/blog/RocheTNSArticle.jpg)
Fast-forward
In the last three years, autism researchers have gone from sequencing single genes to whole exomes, as highlighted at the Translational Neuroscience Symposium in Switzerland last week.
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.