Brain response to mom’s voice differs in kids with autism

For most children, the sound of their mother’s voice triggers brain activity patterns distinct from those triggered by an unfamiliar voice. But the unique brain response to mom’s voice is greatly diminished in children with autism, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine. The diminished response was seen on fMRI brain scans in face-processing regions and learning and memory centers, as well as in brain networks that process rewards and prioritize different stimuli as important. The findings will be published Feb. 26 in eLife. “Kids with…

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Emma Thompson Just Quit a Movie Because a Notorious Sexual Harasser Was Also Hired

Although the #MeToo movement helped unmask several powerful men accused of sexual harassment and assault, many of these abusers have faced only slight repercussions. However, advocates for survivors have continued to speak out. Most recently, Emma Thompson quit a movie after the studio hired a man who has admitted to past sexual misconduct. Variety reports that Thompson was set to voice a character in the upcoming animated movie Luck from Skydance Animation. However, the actress withdrew from the role in January after former Pixar CEO John Lasseter was hired as the new head of the animation studio—despite his…

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Fat cells work different ‘shifts’ throughout the day

Fat cells in the human body have their own internal clocks and exhibit circadian rhythms affecting critical metabolic functions, new research in the journal Scientific Reports, finds. Researchers led by Dr Jonathan Johnston from the University of Surrey conducted the first ever analysis of circadian rhythms in human fat taken from people isolated from daily environmental changes. Circadian rhythms are approximately 24-hour changes governed by the body’s internal clocks. Misalignment of ‘human clocks’ with each other and the environment is believed to be a major contributor to obesity and poor health.…

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