Scientists have a discovered a gene called Npas4 that keeps brain activity in check. Targeting this gene may one day lead to drugs that can help autistic children.

Scientists say they have pinpointed a gene in the brain that can calm nerve cells that become too jumpy, potentially paving the way for new therapies to treat autism and other neurological disorders.

The brain is continually trying to strike a balance between too much and too little nerve cell activity. Neurologists believe that when the balance tips, disorders such as autism and schizophrenia may occur. They are not sure why neurons (nerve cells) go berserk. But Greenberg (Neurobiologist at Harvard Medical School) says he and his colleagues located a gene in mice and rats that helps keep neural activity in check—and may one day be manipulated to prevent or reverse neurological problems.

(Photo taken from Volunteer Boston)

Video: Autism Symptoms

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Reference: Scientific American, Nature

In continuation to my earlier post, now there is more proof that measles vaccine does not cause autism. And I reiterate that the benefits of MMR vaccination far outweighs any risks.

Researchers at Columbia University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sought to allay some of their fears today, releasing study results they said showed “no connection” between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism in kids.

The researchers were dealing with a hypothesis out there that, as they explained it in a call with reporters, goes something like this: The measles virus from the vaccine could reproduce in the intestinal tract, leading to inflammation and bowel permeability. That leaky bowel could permit the release of chemicals that would make their way to the nervous system, causing trouble.

The researchers compared bowel tissues from two groups of kids, one with gastrointestinal problems and autism, and the other with gastrointestinal problems alone. But they didn’t find any differences between the two groups that suggested the vaccine could be to blame.

References: Wall Street Journal Health Blog, Public Library of Science

In contrast to my earlier post, Measles vaccine is very effective and should be given to each and every child. Failure to vaccinate children is leading to to measles outbreaks which will increase in the future. Furthermore, the risk of contracting measles (with its attendant complications) far outweigh the risk of developing autism.

More people had measles infections in the first seven months of this year than during any comparable period since 1996, and public health officials blamed growing numbers of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.

Many of these parents say they believe vaccines cause autism, even though multiple studies have found no reputable evidence to support such a claim.

Reference: New York Times, Center for Disease Control (CDC)