Scientists Pinpoint Main Cause of Sensory Hypersensitivity in Autism
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Sensory hypersensitivity in mice with Grin2b mutations is associated with hyperactivity in the anterior cingulate cortex and increased connectivity throughout the brain. A research team led by Director Kim Eunjoon of the Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions and Director Kim Seong-Gi of the Center

cross-posted from: https://literature.cafe/post/10359040

Scientists Pinpoint Main Cause of Sensory Hypersensitivity in Autism

This study has identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a key area in the brain responsible for sensory hypersensitivity in autism spectrum disorders. Utilizing a mouse model with a Grin2b gene mutation, heightened neural activity and connectivity in the ACC was observed. Suppressing this hyperactivity normalized the sensory hypersensitivity, offering new insights into treatment options

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02572-y (open access)

  • Deestan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    53·
    5 months ago

    Where does that headline phrasing come from? The study does not, and does not claim to, pinpoint anything for autism.

    They use mice bred for hypersensitivity, and look at which parts of those mice’s brains can be suppressed to reduce measured sensitivity to heated floors and electric shock.

    They use “mice models of autism” to get an indication of where to maybe start looking on the slim chance it turns out to be similar in humans.

    The mouse model may turn out to be a different kind of hypersensitivity altogether. Human brains may wire hypersensitivity very differently. The observed results may be that the mice’s reactions are different instead of weaker. Etc…

    It is valid science, but a long shot away from a long shot at being applicable for autism in humans.

    • radicalautonomy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      232·
      5 months ago

      C’mon now! Don’t you get it? Instead of society making the effort to learn about and accommodate for the needs of autistic people, they’re spending a ton of money on research, and the results of this study mean they might be able to FIX US!

      • BestBouclettes@jlai.luEnglish
        16·
        5 months ago

        To be fair I wouldn’t mind a way to lessen my sensory issues, some of them I can accommodate, some others are really annoying.

        • AceCephalonEnglish
          12·
          5 months ago

          This basically, as in my case, my sensory issues make it hard to do many fairly basic things, and causes lots of discomfort that otherwise wouldn’t bother me if not for the sensitivity.

          “Fixing” is very different from “reducing the issues for the person with the sensitivity, making life relatively easier to handle”.

        • randon31415@lemmy.worldEnglish
          5·
          5 months ago

          Them: You are wearing noise canceling headphones? Don’t you want to hear me!

          Me: Yes, unless your voice is a constant frequency and amplitude, then no.

          Them: I am offended because I think you are not paying attention to me because I don’t understand how the technology works!

      • weariedfae@lemmy.world
        1·
        4 months ago

        I would welcome getting to turn down the volume of my sensory issues. It causes more distress than acceptance can fix.