The epigenetics of Autism: Oxytocin factor and implications for schizophrenia

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1. Whole-brain Circuit Map Could Reveal What Goes Wrong In Autism, Schizophrenia And Other Brain Disorders
   Scientists from major research institutions in the U.S. and Europe argue strongly in favor of committing resources to prepare a comprehensive map of neural circuits in the mammalian brain. Along with charting the circuitry underlying brain functions, the map is also expected to provide insights about brain dysfunctions in autism, schizophrenia and various mood disorders.
2. Maternal Immune Response To Fetal Brain During Pregnancy A Key Factor In Some Autism
   New studies in pregnant mice using antibodies against fetal brains made by the mothers of autistic children show that immune cells can cross the placenta and trigger neurobehavioral changes similar to autism in the mouse pups.
3. Schizophrenia and "The Soloist"
   The Soloist is the true story of Los Angeles journalist, Steve Lopez, who befriends a man named Nathanial Ayers. Ayers happens to be a homeless Julliard trained musician who has Schizophrenia.  It is a most special story about loss, friendship, understanding and redemption.Much stigma surrounds schizophrenia despite research that shows it holds a neurobiological origin for the disorder.  Many st
4. The highest autism prevalence ever?
   Baron-Cohen et al. (2009) propose a world where there are 157/10,000 autistics. The authors used what they call a "novel approach" to autism epidemiology and this is worth a closer look. The study is based on questions sent to schools about the UK SEN (Special Education Needs) register, and a survey, including a screening questionaire, sent to parents of students aged 5 to 9 years. Many schools,
5. The Sounds Of Learning: Studying The Impact Of Music On Children With Autism
   The power of music affects all of us and has long appealed to our emotions. It is for this reason that researchers are using music to help children with autism spectrum disorders, for whom understanding emotions is a very difficult task. This inability robs them of the chance to communicate effectively and make friends and can often lead to social isolation and loneliness.