Q&A: Seth Mnookin on the fallacy of “both sides” journalism
"We’ve seen too many journalists confuse not taking sides with not calling out liars and frauds," says MIT researcher and author.
Promise seen in possible treatment for autism spectrum disorder
Studies in mice show improved social interaction and cognition from a potential therapeutic for a syndrome that often results in autism.
Studies help explain link between autism, severe infection during pregnancy
Bacterial populations in mother’s GI tract may play a central role.
New Center for Autism Research established at MIT’s McGovern Institute
A $20 million gift from Lisa Yang and Hock Tan ’75 SM ’75 will catalyze multidisciplinary autism research.
Scientists identify neurons devoted to social memory
Cells in the hippocampus store memories of acquaintances, a new study reports.
Neuroscientists illuminate role of autism-linked gene
Loss of Shank gene prevents neuronal synapses from properly maturing.
Learning more about the brain
Pawan Sinha explores the cognitive dynamics behind our visual understanding of the world around us.
!["[W]e hope that our studies of vps-50 will provide insights into human neuropsychiatric disorders,” H. Robert Horvitz says.](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201603/MIT-BehavorialStates.jpg?itok=0Jejll8C)
Neuroscientists discover a gene that controls worms’ behavioral state
Gene required for the control of behavioral state is also found in humans, may be linked to autism.
Neuroscientists reverse autism symptoms
Turning on a gene later in life can restore typical behavior in mice.
How severe maternal inflammation can lead to autism-like behavior
Immune molecules in infected mothers tied to brain and behavior abnormalities in offspring.
How one gene contributes to two diseases
Neuroscientists unravel Shank3 gene’s role in autism and schizophrenia.
Neuroscientists reveal how the brain can enhance connections
Newly identified mechanism allows the brain to strengthen links between neurons.
Leveraging genetic diversity to drive precision medicine
Taking advantage of genetic heterogeneity in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders could lead to precision therapies.
Wired for habit
Researchers discover neurons in the brain that weigh costs and benefits to drive formation of habits.
Temple Grandin: Look at what people can do, not what they can’t
In talks at MIT, noted behavioral expert suggests encouraging skills of people with autism.