- Autistic children show less habituation to auditory stimuli than do their non-autistic peers, as measured by electroencephalogram waveforms. Autism Research
- Drugs that target endocannabinoid function may be useful for treating neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism and anxiety. Psychological Medicine
- People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome have altered functional connectivity between the thalamus and the cortex. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
- Single-point mutations in the gene CYFIP1 can disrupt actin during brain development and lead to intellectual disability and autism. Spectrum has previously reported on cytoskeletal influences on neuronal function. Biological Psychiatry
- A reference trajectory of the functional connectome draws on brain-imaging data from tens of thousands of people up to age 80, according to a preprint. bioRxiv
- The International Society for Stem Cell Research has published recommendations for laboratory standards to improve the reproducibility of results. Stem Cell Reports
- Far-sightedness and pain insensitivity are traits of Lamb-Shaffer syndrome, which is caused by SOX5 gene variants and linked to autism and intellectual disability, according to an analysis of 20 people. Clinical Genetics
- Mental-health counseling appears to be the most valuable of services for autistic adults, according to self-report and actual use. Autism
- Microglia interact with neuronal synapses in several ways to affect connectivity and brain function. Science
Repeat reactions: Autistic children (top row) habituate much more gradually to loud noises than do non-autistic children (bottom row).
- Postsynaptic densities mature two to three times more slowly in people than in monkeys or mice, according to a proteomic study across development. Nature
- Delta-catenin is highly expressed in astrocytes, and a gene variant linked to autism alters the cells’ development. Spectrum covered the many roles that astrocytes play in autism last year. Journal of Cell Biology
- A 3D motion-capture system can analyze the social behavior of monkeys, according to a preprint. bioRxiv
- Rates of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability and other conditions are higher in children with congenital heart disease than in the general population. Circulation
- Sleep difficulties are prevalent in people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and tend to have a negative impact on physical and mental health, according to a review. Current Psychiatry Reports
- An international consortium of experts has developed guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Endocannabinoids; CYFIP1 gene; postsynaptic density development
Here is a roundup of news and research spotted around the web for the week of 18 September.
By
Jill Adams
22 September 2023 | 2 min read
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