Spotted around the web: Synthetic embryos; Angelman gene therapy

Older autistic adults are more likely than non-autistic ones to have experienced falls, bodily injuries, poisonings and self-harm, in addition to various health conditions, according to a population-based study in Sweden. The Lancet Healthy Longevity
An assessment tool that asks children about their participation and engagement in daily activities — a simplified version of “Picture My Participation” — has been validated in a Chinese-speaking population of autistic and non-autistic children. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
Both deletions and duplications of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region can give rise to autism, but they have distinct neurocognitive profiles, according to a preprint. medRxiv
An organization that runs 130 autism treatment centers in the United States, funded by a private equity firm, has filed for bankruptcy. Spectrum has previously covered the ramifications of private investment in nursing homes and other care facilities. Reuters
A machine-learning technique called ‘federated learning’ makes it possible to screen datasets for people who may have autism without plugging their information into a centralized server, thereby skirting privacy issues. Scientific Reports
Naturalistic environments and situations in the laboratory are helping neuroscientists decode animal behavior. Nature
Biotech companies are tackling chromosomal conditions such as Angelman and Phelan-McDermid syndromes. Earlier this year, Spectrum reported on an RNA therapy for Angelman syndrome as modeled in monkeys. Labiotech
Two research groups developed synthetic embryos, or embryoids, from human stem cells, prompting ethical concerns. Spectrum reported on embryoids made from mouse stem cells in October. Nature
The Swiss drug company Roche has discontinued its work on rugonersen, a gene therapy for Angelman syndrome, after disappointing results from a phase 1 clinical trial. Spectrum covered preclinical data on the therapy in August. FAST
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its first clinical trial guidelines for psychedelics (drugs such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA) as a treatment for psychiatric disorders and other medical conditions. FDA
A person’s age at autism diagnosis does not predict quality of life and well-being in adulthood; instead, the number of autism traits is a more accurate predictor. Autism
The density and location of serotonin receptors in the cortex of macaque monkeys are similar to those found in the human brain. Nature Neuroscience
The brain waves of several species — humans, bats and mice — sync up during social interactions. Scientific American
Motor problems are not adequately addressed by current autism diagnostic criteria, a team of researchers argue in a review article. Spectrum asked five experts to share their takes on the issue in January. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
Social distancing during the pandemic did not affect the functioning of toddlers, children and teenagers aged 3-17 with developmental disabilities in Brazil. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Sodium channels don’t function properly in neurons derived from people with dup15q syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition associated with autism traits and seizures. Epilepsia