Autism Vox

September 25th, 2008

A “Master Switch” for Synapses, Npas4

Scientists have previously posited that autism’s cause is at the synapse. Mutations in the genes for neuroligins—which ensure that signal transitions between nerve cells function—-have been suggested as a cause of autism.  Neuroscientists at Children’s Hospital Boston have identified what is being called a “master switch” that organizes the functioning of inhibitory synapses. Synapses […]

By Kristina Chew, PhD -- 12 comments

June 2nd, 2008

Genetic Cause for Childhood Absence Epilepsy Identified

More genetics news today: Researchers have identified the mutated gene that causes childhood absence epilepsy (CAE).
The seizures of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) are usually staring spells during which the child is not aware or responsive. The child’s eyes may roll up briefly. Each spell lasts about 10 seconds and ends abruptly. The child often is […]

By Kristina Chew, PhD -- 9 comments

May 25th, 2008

Last Week’s Top Posts

Up until last week, posts about “mercury” and “Jenny McCarthy” had the most comments—-after last week, the topic of religion and the restraining order filed against the parents of Adam Race generated a torrent of discussion that’s still going on).

Priest Files Restraining Order Against Parents of Autistic 13-year-old
Some 250-plus comments about Adam Race and […]

By Kristina Chew, PhD -- 0 comments

May 20th, 2008

So Is It Really Autism?: The search for medical signs

According to Dr. Fernando Miranda of the Bright Mind Institute, maybe not. A report in the May 19th Good Morning America/ABC News describes some children who were initially diagnosed with autism, and later found to have Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. For some of the children, anti-seizure medication has produced dramatic results and Dr. Miranda is said […]

By Kristina Chew, PhD -- 26 comments

May 12th, 2008

Mutated Gene Linked to Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities in Women

Researchers at Adelaide’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital and the University of Adelaide, Australia, have found that a mutant gene causes epilepsy and intellectual disabilities specific to women. As noted in Science Daily, the study links a “large family of genes known as protocadherins with a condition known as ‘epilepsy and mental retardation limited to females’ […]

By Kristina Chew, PhD -- 1 comment