Spotted around the web: Week of 6 May 2019

This article is more than five years old.

Neuroscience—and science in general—is constantly evolving, so older articles may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.

Research roundup

Autism can accurately be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months old. JAMA Pediatrics
An enzyme called SETD2 may play an important role in embryonic development by regulating chemical modifications to DNA in immature egg cells. Nature Genetics
Genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may affect multiple brain circuits and cognitive traits in children. The Lancet Psychiatry
Many autistic teenagers receive fewer support services with each passing year in high school, leading to a “post‐high school service cliff.” Autism Research
Male prairie voles exposed to oxytocin at birth are unusually social as adults, suggesting that the hormone, commonly used to induce labor in people, has long-term developmental effects. Science Advances
Musicians with perfect pitch — the ability to identify or create a specific musical note without a reference tone — have brain connectivity patterns like those of autistic individuals. Molecular Autism

Science and society

An online public school in Colorado is helping autistic children learn at home, where they are most comfortable. KSAT 12
Neuron-sized electrodes may soon record from animal brains for long periods of time without causing tissue damage. Science
Scientists are on the hunt for anti-CRISPR proteins and chemicals that turn off the gene-editing tool. MIT Technology Review
Scientists have highlighted an investigational drug to treat Angelman syndrome as a breakthrough, but investors have doubts. STAT
The social interactions, constant email and chat notifications and other distractions of a typical office can make it difficult for ‘neurodivergent’ individuals to thrive in a traditional work environment. Vice
Ultra Testing, a New York-based software testing company, actively hires people on the spectrum and fosters their talents, which may include the ability to focus and to recognize patterns. Fast Company
Rapid advances in genomic technology may put clinicians at risk of lawsuits. Science