Autism News and Research

Latest Autism News and Research

Study links ITSN1 gene variants to increased Parkinson's disease risk

A new study published in Cell Reports reveals a breakthrough discovery linking genetic variants in the gene ITSN1 to a significantly elevated risk of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects nearly 2% of adults older than 65 years.

7 Mar 2025

DEVOTION focuses on understanding birth trauma and optimizing birth experience

As we mark International Women's Day tomorrow on March 8, the story of the COST Action on Perinatal Mental Health and Birth-Related Trauma: Maximizing best practice and optimal outcomes (DEVoTION) is a powerful example of how collaborative research can both advance women's health and support the next generation of women researchers.

7 Mar 2025

To patients, parents, and caregivers, proposed Medicaid cuts are a personal affront

Cynthia Williams is furious with U.S. House Republicans willing to slash Medicaid, the government-run insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

6 Mar 2025

Understanding the benefits and risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is well known for treating scuba and deep-sea divers affected by the rapid change in pressure around them. But did you know that HBOT is also used to treat a variety of other health problems, including carbon monoxide poisoning and diabetic foot ulcers?

28 Feb 2025

The brain-gut microbiota axis: Impact on mental health & potential treatment avenues

To be decided by the editor

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025

Study reveals how air pollution contributes to Alzheimer's disease

Air pollution contributes to nearly 7 million premature deaths each year, and its effects go far beyond the lungs.

28 Feb 2025

New AI tool enhances discovery of genes involved in neurodevelopmental conditions

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) approach that accelerates the identification of genes that contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and developmental delay.

26 Feb 2025

Texas measles outbreak nears 100 cases, raising concerns about undetected spread

Some private schools have shut down because of a rapidly escalating measles outbreak in West Texas. Local health departments are overstretched, pausing other important work as they race to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus.

21 Feb 2025

Study links fetal acetaminophen exposure to increased risk of ADHD

Fetal acetaminophen exposure increases the likelihood that a child will develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published Feb. 6 in Nature Mental Health.

21 Feb 2025

Can chili peppers improve ADHD symptoms? Scientists explore their gut-brain connection

Chili peppers may influence ADHD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome, with capsaicin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids showing potential effects on neurotransmitters and inflammation. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

20 Feb 2025

New approach shows promise for treating fragile X syndrome

Building on more than two decades of research, a study by MIT neuroscientists at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory reports a new way to treat pathology and symptoms of fragile X syndrome, the most common genetically-caused autism spectrum disorder.

20 Feb 2025

Direct connection found between memory and sensory processing centers in brain

A newly identified part of a brain circuit mixes sensory information, memories, and emotions to tell whether things are familiar or new—and important or just "background noise."

19 Feb 2025

Researchers discover direct feedback loop in brain circuit connecting memories and emotions

A newly identified part of a brain circuit mixes sensory information, memories, and emotions to tell whether things are familiar or new, and important or just "background noise."

18 Feb 2025

Human-specific gene variant may hold key to evolution of language

The origins of human language remain mysterious. Are we the only animals truly capable of complex speech? Are Homo sapiens the only hominids who could give detailed directions to a far-off freshwater source or describe the nuanced purples and reds of a dramatic sunset?

18 Feb 2025

Children with ARFID at higher risk for long-term health conditions

Children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) have an elevated risk of developing psychiatric and physical conditions, a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in JAMA Pediatrics reports.

17 Feb 2025

Study reveals drastic variations in U.S. health care spending across counties

Researchers present the most comprehensive study on U.S. health care spending and variations across 3,110 counties by four payers, 148 health conditions, 38 age/sex groups, and seven types of care.

14 Feb 2025

Study reveals brain circuit linked to human creativity

A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggests that different brain regions activated by creative tasks are part of one common brain circuit.

13 Feb 2025

Systemic racism may play a role in genetic testing disparities, study suggests

For children with signs of neurological conditions such as autism, epilepsy and global developmental delay, genetic testing can help make the diagnosis, identify possible treatments and determine whether family members could be affected, among other benefits.

13 Feb 2025

New research advances understanding of Parkinson's disease stages

From a study that analyzed brain images of more than 2,500 people with Parkinson's disease in 20 different countries, scientists were able to identify patterns of neurodegeneration and create metrics for each of the five clinical stages of the disease.

12 Feb 2025