March 2022- Volume 18, Issue 3
In this Issue
Editor's Focus
Researchers connect autism symptoms with mitochondrial morphology
Researchers connect autism symptoms with mitochondrial morphology
Mitochondria aren’t just the bean-shaped powerhouses of the cell. They are dynamic organelles that modify their structures to match their functions. Now, new research shows that mitochondrial morphology correlates not only with function, but also with symptom severity in autism.
A detective themed video game improves facial recognition skills
A detective themed video game improves facial recognition skills
People with autism often struggle to understand nonverbal communication. Psychologist Suzanne Scherf wants to help them learn how to interpret this style of communication through the narrative power of video games.
Editors Insight
The omicron variant forces scientists to change their course
The omicron variant forces scientists to change their course
Just as the delta outbreak subsided, the omicron outbreak peaked. How will we navigate this new pandemic terrain?
Pediatrics
Infographic: Mitochondria aren't always model employees
Infographic: Mitochondria aren't always model employees
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that change their morphology in response to the energetic needs of the cell. But in some disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, mitochondria don't appropriately respond, and the resulting metabolic dysfunction contributes to symptom severity.
Tracing autoimmunity’s roots to babies and bacteria
Tracing autoimmunity’s roots to babies and bacteria
Microbiome researchers seek to predict and prevent autoimmunity in infants.
Ultra-rare childhood fevers are no match for this scientist
Ultra-rare childhood fevers are no match for this scientist
Recurrent high fevers in children are always worrying, but by studying patient cells, immunologist Lori Broderick hopes to reveal the underlying causes of these disorders.
Milestone
Milestone: Single-cell sequencing ushers in a new age of biological research
Milestone: Single-cell sequencing ushers in a new age of biological research
Following innovations in amplification and scaling over the past 30 years, single cell sequencing technologies have permeated all corners of biomedical research, providing cellular insights into diseases such as heart failure or the immune response during COVID-19 infection.
Vaccines
Scientists investigate the COVID-19 vaccine-menstruation mystery
Scientists investigate the COVID-19 vaccine-menstruation mystery
As reports of disrupted menstrual cycles after COVID-19 vaccinations rose, researchers investigated the connection. Their reports revealed that while vaccine-associated menstrual changes may be small and temporary, knowledge of these potential side effects is vital for public trust.
Scientists developed a vaccine targeting all mosquito-transmitted diseases
Scientists developed a vaccine targeting all mosquito-transmitted diseases
A new vaccine targeting mosquito saliva proteins proved safe and prompted a strong immune response in humans, moving scientists one step closer to halting the transmission of all mosquito-borne pathogens.
The quest for a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is almost complete
The quest for a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is almost complete
After tragedy struck during a 1960s clinical trial, development of a vaccine for RSV ground to a halt. But as new RSV vaccine candidates enter late-stage clinical trials, a safe and effective vaccine is finally in sight.
Opportunity and teamwork lead to new staph infection treatments
Opportunity and teamwork lead to new staph infection treatments
Victor Torres’ talented lab members joined forces with industry partners to develop treatments and a potential vaccine for lethal Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Neuroscience
Virtual reality is the latest trend in digital therapeutics
Virtual reality is the latest trend in digital therapeutics
The FDA approved the first video game prescription in 2020. Since then, researchers are building more “prescription video games.” However, they aren’t sticking to 2D games; they are developing virtual reality experiences.
