Summary: Researchers identified variants in the DDX53 gene, located on the X chromosome, as contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These genetic variants, found predominantly in males, provide critical insights into the biological mechanisms behind autism’s male predominance.The study also uncovered another potential gene, PTCHD1-AS, near DDX53, linked to autism,...
Summary: Scientists have developed human stem cell models containing the notochord, a critical tissue that guides spine and nervous system formation during embryonic development.Using precise chemical signals inspired by natural processes in chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, the researchers successfully coaxed human stem cells to form a notochord and a...
Summary: A large-scale study revealed that genetic variants linked to dyslexia are associated with differences in brain areas controlling motor coordination, vision, and language.Using data from over a million individuals, researchers calculated genetic “polygenic scores” for dyslexia and analyzed their relationship to brain structures. Higher genetic risk for dyslexia was...
Summary: Open-world video games can significantly improve relaxation and mental health, especially for postgraduate students. These games, offering expansive environments and player autonomy, provide a form of cognitive escapism that helps reduce stress and enhance mood.Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild allow players to explore...
Summary: Some people experience anauralia, a silent mind incapable of imagining sounds like voices or music. Anauralia, often linked to aphantasia, affects about 1% of people, with no apparent drawbacks and potential attention benefits.Key Facts:Anauralia Defined: A silent mind incapable of imagining auditory sounds, often linked to aphantasia.Creative Insight: Writers...
Summary: The inferior colliculus, a midbrain region known for sound processing, also plays a role in touch sensation by integrating tactile and auditory signals. Pacinian corpuscles, highly sensitive skin mechanoreceptors, relay high-frequency vibrations to this brain area, amplifying sensory experiences. This mechanism explains phenomena like feeling music vibrations during a...
Summary: New research reveals how the body’s circadian clock regulates macrophage activity, influencing immune system inflammation throughout the day. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component in the immune response, peaks during the morning when macrophages are most efficient. This daily rhythm is driven by mitochondrial activity, explaining why...
Summary: A new study suggests complex beliefs like paranoia may have roots in visual misperception. Participants prone to paranoia or teleological thinking were more likely to wrongly identify one moving dot as chasing another in a visual task.Paranoia and teleological thinking differ in their errors, suggesting distinct cognitive patterns. The...
Summary: Scientists sent stem-cell-derived brain organoids to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the effects of microgravity on brain development. After a month in orbit, the organoids remained healthy but displayed accelerated maturation and reduced replication compared to Earth-grown controls.Gene expression analysis revealed higher levels of genes linked to...
Summary: Researchers have uncovered how visual information is processed across the brain’s complex and flexible networks.One study showed visual signals are selectively targeted or broadly broadcast, challenging the idea of a simple, linear flow of visual input. A second study revealed that the thalamus adapts visual processing based on behavioral...
