Early Clues to Autism and Schizophrenia Risk Found in DNA

Summary: Researchers have built a detailed map of DNA methylation changes in nearly 1,000 human brains from six weeks after conception to old age. The work reveals dramatic epigenetic shifts…

Gut Problems in Autism Linked to Sleep, Behavior, and Sensory Challenges

Summary: A long-term study tracking 475 children found that autistic children are far more likely to experience persistent gastrointestinal issues than their peers. These symptoms often co-occur, persist across childhood,…

Evolution of Human Brain May Explain High Autism Rates

Summary: A new study suggests that autism may be linked to the rapid evolution of brain cell types unique to humans. Researchers found that outer-layer neurons in the human brain…

Experimental Drugs Reverse Autism Symptoms

Summary: Researchers have identified hyperactivity in the reticular thalamic nucleus as a driver of autism-like behaviors in mice. This brain region, which gates sensory information, was found to be overactive…

When Music Meets Attention: How Background Tunes Shape Focus

Summary: A new study compared background music listening habits between young adults with and without ADHD, revealing distinct patterns in when and what they listen to. ADHD-screened participants reported more…

Could Mental Illness Begin Before You’re Born?

Key Questions Answered: Q: When do genes linked to mental illness start affecting the brain?A: Many genes associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases are active during the earliest stages of…

No Link Found Between Aluminum in Vaccines and Autism, ADHD

Summary: A massive Danish study of over 1.2 million children has found no evidence that aluminum in early childhood vaccines increases the risk of neurological, autoimmune, or allergic disorders. Researchers…

Tiny RNA Mark Helps Explain Brain Wiring and Mental Disorders

Summary: New research reveals how a tiny chemical mark on RNA helps wire the brain during development. Scientists discovered that m6A methylation regulates the production of proteins essential for axon…

One Gene Rewires Fear Circuits and Fuels Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have uncovered how losing the autism-linked gene PTEN in a specific set of inhibitory neurons reshapes brain circuits tied to fear and anxiety. Using advanced circuit-mapping techniques, they…

Different Autism Genes, Same Brain Signature

Summary: New research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings…