David Amaral – ASF Weekly Science Podcasts

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This week’s ASF weekly science podcast features Dr. David Amaral, who directs the Autism BrainNet. The Autism BrainNet is a program that organizes the collection of post-mortem brain tissue and then distributes it to autism researchers worldwide to better understand the brains of people with autism. He discusses major scientific discoveries about the mechanisms of autism in the brain that were only possible by using this resource, and the brave generosity of families that make the program happen. Anyone can register to learn more about new scientific research and the program itself, it’s important that everyone at least know the program exists for future planning. You can learn more here: www.autismbrainnet.org.

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Using resources from the Autism BrainNet, researchers from UC Davis show specific brain changes in an area called the amygdala in autism. The amygdala is associated with fear, emotion and anxiety in people with autism. But because they can look at the brain directly, the actual number of neurons in the amygdala can be counted not just in one individual, but in over 50 individuals across ages 2 to 50. This remarkable study showed that too much activity in the amygdala early may lead to impaired function later on. This could be caused by too many neurons which are present early on in life in people with ASD, and reflected by fewer neurons later on in life. These difference can only be detected through looking directly at brain tissue. To learn more, register for the Autism BrainNet at www.takesbrains.org/signup.

Here is a link to the paper: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/03/19/1801912115.long

Dr. Avino will be answering questions about this paper on a Q&A on April 9, 2018 – please register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7051754498195523073

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