APC Protein Connected to Autism and Mental Retardation | Psych Central News

APC Protein Connected to Autism and Mental Retardation Psych Central News: "A study completed by neuroscientists at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) and Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts suggests that the causes of these disorders may rest with the dysfunction of a protein called adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), an important element that ffects the synapse’s ability to mature. A key player in the body’s nervous system, the synapse provides a gateway for neurons to quickly pass important signals to other cells and is essential for neurons to function properly."

Opposing Views: Research: Almost Certainly No Autism "Epidemic"

Opposing Views: Research: Almost Certainly No Autism "Epidemic": "OK, so it's well known to LBRB readers that I don’t think it's ever been scientifically established that there has been such a thing as an autism epidemic, but even so, looking at why autism numbers have changed over a certain period of time – the period of time people believe is part of the 'epidemic' – should be a good way to determine what contributed to that time period's rise in autism.So that's what Peter Bearman did. Summed up well in this week's New Scientist, Bearman’s study offers the first look at what actually did cause the 'epidemic.'"

Autism: MedlinePlus

Autism: MedlinePlus: "Autism is a disorder that is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. The main signs and symptoms of autism involve communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors.

Children with autism might have problems talking with you, or they might not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may have to line up their pencils before they can pay attention, or they may say the same sentence again and again to calm themselves down. They may flap their arms to tell you they are happy, or they might hurt themselves to tell you they are not. Some people with autism never learn how to talk."

Scientists identify new drug strategy against fragile X syndrome

Scientists identify new drug strategy against fragile X syndrome: "The researchers have found that a class of drugs called phosphoinositide-3 (PI3) kinase inhibitors can correct defects in the anatomy of neurons seen in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. In experiments with cultured neurons from the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory, the drugs could restore normal appearance and levels of protein production at synapses, the junctions between cells where chemical communication occurs. The results, published online this week in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that PI3 kinase inhibitors could help improve learning and cognition in individuals with fragile X syndrome."

Quick brain scan could screen for autism | Reuters

Quick brain scan could screen for autism | Reuters: "(Reuters) - A 15-minute brain scan could in future be used to test for autism, helping doctors diagnose the complex condition more cheaply and accurately.
British scientists said on Tuesday their rapid test had proved more than 90 percent accurate in adults and there was no reason why it should not work equally well in children."

Antidepressants Not Beneficial in Autism | Psych Central News

Antidepressants Not Beneficial in Autism | Psych Central News: "According to a new statistical review of previously reported studies, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) antidepressants did not improve overall function."

3 different medical trials seek autism cure | abc7.com

3 different medical trials seek autism cure | abc7.com: "There is no cure for autism. And there are no FDA-approved drugs that target the cause. But researchers are working to change that. There are three trials searching for answers to autism."

Researchers Say Alzheimer's Drug May Help Autism - Health News Story - WDIV Detroit

Researchers Say Alzheimer's Drug May Help Autism - Health News Story - WDIV Detroit: "Henry is taking part in a new study involving a drug called memantine. Researchers said the drug has already proved effective in a much different type of patient.
'We know that it's active and effective in people with Alzheimer's disease. It actually serves to enhance cognitive function, or at least hold the line,' said Dr. Michael Aman, a researcher at the Ohio State University Medical Center."