Category Health/Medical

Illustration of folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism and transsulfuration pathways. Genetic and environmental effects that increase ASD predisposition are shown in red whereas those that decrease ASD liability are shown in blue. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005385.g001

Scientists have developed a new, highly accurate method that analyzes metabolic biomarkers to assess whether a child is on the autism spectrum Autism spectrum disorder affects about 1.5% of all children, but its exact cause remains unknown, and diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary team of doctors. Previous research has revealed certain differences in metabolic processes between children on the autism spectrum and neurotypical children...

This diagram shows the new model at work: By taking into account a number of factors, including water-use patterns and water chemistry, engineers can predict where lead particles will dislodge and end up in the drinking water supply during a partial lead service line (LSL) replacement. Courtesy: Biswas Lab

While lead pipes were banned decades ago, they still supply millions of American households daily with drinking water amid risks of corrosion and leaching that can cause developmental and neurological effects in young children. One common abatement: Dig up old lead lines and replace a portion of them with another metal, such as copper. However, this technique can dislodge lead particulates and release them into the water supply...

Asa Abeliovich, Herve Rhinn et al. Genetic determinants of aging in human brain. Cell Systems, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2017.02.009 Stock image credit: Getty Images

Genetic variant accelerates normal brain aging in older people by up to 12 years. Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have discovered a common genetic variant that greatly impacts normal brain aging, starting at around age 65, and may modify the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. The findings could point toward a novel biomarker for the evaluation of anti-aging interventions and highlight potential new targets for the prevention or treatment of age-associated brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“If you look at a group of seniors, some will look older than their peers and some will look younger,” sai...

The trans-synaptic GluRδ2-Cbln1-neurexin triad is essential for synapse formation

BIDMC scientists determined how a gene linked to one common form of autism works in a specific population of brain cells to impair sociability. The research, published in the journal Nature, reveals the neurobiological control of sociability and could represent important first steps toward interventions for patients with autism. Anderson and colleagues focused on gene UBE3A, multiple copies of which causes a form of autism in humans (called isodicentric chromosome 15q).Conversely, the lack of this same gene in humans leads to a developmental disorder called Angelman’s syndrome, characterized by increased sociability...