Autism

Photo of Eva Tan, Lisa Yang, and Hock Tan posing together

New molecular therapeutics center established at MIT's McGovern Institute

Collaborative research center funded by Lisa Yang and Hock Tan ’75 blends engineering and neuroscience to advance molecular tools for treating brain disorders.

September 15, 2020

These cross-sections of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) show two distinct populations of neurons, labeled in purple and green. A team of researchers from MIT and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has now mapped the TRN in unprecedented detail.

Mapping the brain’s sensory gatekeeper

New analysis could help uncover potential drug targets for attention deficits and sensory hypersensitivity.

July 22, 2020

Within a microscope image of neurons from the hippocampus region of a rodent brain (left), a zoomed-in section (red square) of a neuron's dendrites shows spines (right) where many synaptic connections with other neurons reside.

Findings weaken notion that size equals strength for neural connections

Among study’s many surprises may be a new way to address Fragile X syndrome — by finding a “protein X.”

July 14, 2020

MIT scientists have identified a potential new strategy for treating Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that is the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism. The team includes, from left–right: Amanda Coranado, Arnold Heynen, Mark Bear, Rebecca Senter, Laura Stoppel, and Patrick McCamphill.

Scientists find a new way to reverse symptoms of Fragile X

Drug compound, tested in mice, could be effective in treating the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism.

May 20, 2020

Mounting evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects the brain, as well as the lungs.

How could Covid-19 and the body’s immune response affect the brain?

Picower Institute researchers are embarking on experiments to learn the mechanisms by which coronavirus might affect mental health.

April 28, 2020

MIT neuroscientists have discovered a brain circuit that appears to contribute to the sensory hypersensitivity often seen in people with autism spectrum disorders.

The neural basis of sensory hypersensitivity

A new study may explain why people with autism are often highly sensitive to light and noise.

March 2, 2020

MIT and Harvard Medical School researchers have uncovered a cellular mechanism that may explain why some children with autism experience a temporary reduction in behavioral symptoms when they have a fever.

Study may explain how infections reduce autism symptoms

An immune molecule sometimes produced during infection can influence the social behavior of mice.

December 18, 2019

MIT neuroscientists have identified two brain circuits that help tune out distracting sensory information.

Drug combination reverses hypersensitivity to noise

Findings in mice suggest targeting certain brain circuits could offer new ways to treat some neurological disorders.

October 21, 2019

SHANK3 (green) is expressed along with a neural marker (NeuN) in the mouse anterior cingulate cortex.

Neuroscientists identify brain region linked to altered social interactions in autism model

In a mouse model, restoring activity of a specific forebrain region reverses social traits associated with autism.

July 26, 2019

Structure of the Shank3 protein, a gene with a strong association to autism spectrum disorder.

Using gene editing, neuroscientists develop a new model for autism

By introducing a gene variant associated with autism into monkeys, researchers hope to study treatment options for severe neurodevelopmental disorders.

June 12, 2019