Genetic Variant in ITSN1 Linked to Higher Parkinson’s and ASD Risk

Summary: A new study has identified genetic variants in the ITSN1 gene that significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers analyzed nearly 500,000 genetic profiles and found that…

Maternal Diet Influences ADHD and Autism Risk

Summary: A large study analyzing over 60,000 mother-child pairs found that a Western diet during pregnancy—high in fat, sugar, and processed foods—was associated with a significantly increased risk of ADHD…

Genetics, Not Maternal Sickness, Drives Autism Risk

Summary: A large study analyzing over 1.1 million pregnancies found no strong evidence that maternal health conditions during pregnancy cause autism. Instead, nearly all previously reported associations between maternal diagnoses…

Oxytocin Influences Social Behavior and Emotional Response

Summary: New research reveals how oxytocin profoundly influences social behavior and emotional responses in the brain. Animal models have shown how this hormone impacts social fear and how chronic stress…

Immune System Gene Linked to Hyperactivity, ADHD and Autism

Summary: Researchers have uncovered a link between the immune gene regulator STAT1 and hyperactive behaviors in mice, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. STAT1, vital for…

Imaging Links Fewer Brain Connections to Autism Social Challenges

Summary: A recent study used PET imaging to examine synaptic connections in autistic and non-autistic adults, marking the first time this technology was applied to autism research. Findings show autistic…

Gender Nonconformity in Play Linked to ASD and Behavioral Problems

Summary: A new study reveals that gender nonconforming play behavior in 7-year-olds is associated with increased behavioral difficulties, including autistic traits in girls and peer relationship issues in boys. Researchers…

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Could Predict Autism Risk

Summary: A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels of certain metabolites were…

Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Autism Cognitive Function

Summary: A new experimental cancer drug could ease cognitive difficulties for those with Rett syndrome, a rare autism-linked disorder, by enhancing brain cell functions. The drug, ADH-503, improves the activity…

Cannabis in Pregnancy Linked to Autism and ADHD Risk

Summary: Researchers identified a strong link between prenatal cannabis use disorder (CUD) and heightened risks of ADHD, ASD, and ID in children. The study analyzed over 222,000 mother-offspring pairs in…