Knocking out either of the autism-linked genes CHD8 or TSC2 in microglial cells blocks the maturation of oligodendrocytes, but not neurons or astrocytes. Researchers are increasingly seeing links between oligodendrocytes and autism, Spectrum reported in March. Scientific Reports
The male-to-female ratio of autism diagnoses is lower in adults than it is in children, based on a Norwegian study that analyzed data from more than 1.7 million adults. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Science and society
The coronavirus pandemic has worsened inequality in neuroscience research institutions, but it has also inspired greater awareness and positive actions going forward, write two members of an international group that promotes equity and diversity in the brain sciences. Neuron
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