Compound Points to Potential Autism Therapy An experimental compound reversed certain autism-like behaviors in mice. The finding may lead to a new strategy for treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD).   A mouse pays a social visit to a novel animal. Image courtesy of Drs. MuYang and Jacqueline Crawley, NIMH Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience. ASD includes several […]

Device Restores Movement to Paralyzed Limbs Monkeys temporarily paralyzed from the elbow down to their fingers were able to grasp and release a ball with the help of electrodes in the brain that directly stimulate the hand muscles. This type of technology may one day help paralysis victims regain muscle control.   Motor neurons. Image by […]

Genetics of Bone Density A new study linked 32 novel genetic regions to bone mineral density. The findings may help researchers understand why some people are more susceptible to bone fractures. The research also points to potential drug targets for preventing or treating osteoporosis. Bones are made of a mineral and protein scaffold filled with […]

Clues to Emerging Drug-Resistant Malaria Researchers report that a first-line treatment for malaria is losing its effectiveness in parts of Asia. They’ve also found regions of the parasite’s genome that seem to underlie its drug resistance. The findings may offer clues to help block the spread of hard-to-treat malaria. Child in a poor village in […]

Molecular Effects of Social Stress Social rank has broad effects on gene regulation, particularly in the immune system, according to a new study in rhesus macaques. The findings help explain how social status gets under your skin.   Rhesus macaques at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center were used in the study. Image courtesy of Yerkes […]

Spontaneous Mutations Raise Autism Risk A trio of new studies has revealed several genes and biological pathways that may contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Among other insights, the findings may help explain earlier evidence linking autism risk to older fathers. ASD includes several related brain disorders, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People […]

Summer Temperature Swings Linked to Shorter Lifespan Fluctuations in daily summer temperatures may boost the risk of death in older people with chronic diseases, according to a new study. The finding could have important implications for the nation’s aging population. People generally adapt to the usual temperatures where they live, but the sweltering heat waves […]

Clues to HIV Protection A new study gives insight into the workings of the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people.   HIV “budding” out of a T-cell. Image courtesy of Dr. Tom Folks, NIAID. Most vaccines work by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies that help beat back infections. But […]

Genetics of a Tropical Foot Disease Researchers have identified gene variants that boost the risk for a debilitating tropical disease called podoconiosis, which affects about 4 million people worldwide. The findings will help shed light on how interactions between genes and the environment influence susceptibility to disease.   Podoconiosis is a tropical disease that leads […]

Complex Brain Has Simple Grid Structure A landmark study revealed that nerve cells in the brain form a simple checkerboard grid pattern. The new technique will help researchers better understand how the brain develops and may give insights into disorders like epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia. … … Wiring diagram of the human brain shows curvature […]