Spectrum | Autism Research News (2024)

I'm an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of neuroscience, and my extensive knowledge in this domain is demonstrated through a keen understanding of recent developments. I've been actively following advancements in neuroscience, including publications and research that contribute to the collective knowledge of the scientific community.

Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts presented in the provided article from The Transmitter:

1. The Transmitter Launch:

   • The Spectrum team recently launched "The Transmitter," a publication for the neuroscience community.
   • It aims to provide news and analysis of the field, written by both journalists and scientists.

2. Recent Articles and Topics Covered:

   • Gray-matter Volume; 3q29 Deletion Syndrome; Random Eye Movements (January 23, 2024):

     • Explores topics related to gray matter volume, the 3q29 deletion syndrome, and random eye movements.

   • Noisy Brain and Autism’s Sensory Features (January 18, 2024):

     • Investigates the connection between a noisy brain and sensory features in autism.

   • Functional Convergence of Autism Genes; Mortality Rates; Motor Skills (January 16, 2024):

     • Discusses the functional convergence of autism genes, mortality rates, and motor skills.

   • Immune-Activation Model Mice and Infantile Amnesia (January 11, 2024):

     • Explores how immune-activation model mice escape infantile amnesia and retain early memories.

   • Prosodic Patterns in Autism; MEF2C; Functional Connectivity (January 9, 2024):

     • Examines prosodic patterns in autism, the role of MEF2C, and issues related to functional connectivity.

   • New Tablet-Based Tools for Autism (January 4, 2024):

     • Highlights the excitement and questions surrounding new tablet-based tools to spot autism.

3. Previous Articles of Note:

   • Nobel Laureate’s Study (October 19, 2023):

     • Expresses concern over data integrity issues in a study by a Nobel laureate.

   • Retraction of Article on Private-Equity Involvement in Autism Services (October 19, 2023):

     • Reports the retraction of an article defending private-equity involvement in autism services.

   • Mutations in Multipurpose Gene and Dendrites (October 4, 2023):

     • Discusses how mutations in a multipurpose gene impact dendrites with a double whammy.

4. Topics by Category:

   • Genes:

     • Various articles exploring genetic aspects, such as common genetic variants shaping the cortex and UBE3A's link to synaptic pruning.

   • The Brain:

     • Articles covering aspects like head size categorizing autism subtypes and signaling in the striatum leading to repetitive behaviors.

   • Diagnosis, Signs & Symptoms, Treatments:

     • Coverage of topics like a new test using nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice.

   • Environment, Science & Society News:

     • Articles exploring the social issues in DYRK1A model mice and the promise of telehealth in autism diagnoses.

5. Deep Dive Features:

   • On the Periphery: Thinking 'Outside the Brain' (April 13, 2023):

     • Explores neuronal alterations outside the brain and their role in explaining various characteristic traits of autism.

   • The Promise of Telehealth in Autism Diagnoses (February 15, 2023):

     • Discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of best practices in autism diagnoses, leading to the development of remote assessments.

6. Editorial Staff and Advisory Board:

   • Lists key members of the editorial staff, including the Editor-in-Chief Ivan Oransky and Deputy Editor Kristin Ozelli.
   • Mentions the Advisory Board, featuring prominent figures from the Knight Science Journalism Program, Simons Foundation, New York University, Scientific American, and more.

This comprehensive overview reflects the depth and breadth of the content covered by The Transmitter, showcasing its commitment to delivering valuable insights and tools for the neuroscience community.