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May 2013
Hales named Health Care Hero by Sacramento Business Journal
May 24, 2013 — Robert Hales, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, has been named a Health Care Hero by the Sacramento Business Journal. The honor was announced today.
UC Davis researchers receive grant to study neurodegenerative disease FXTAS
May 22, 2013 — Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain have received a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct the first long-range study of the mental and psychological decline that accompanies the age-related neurological disorder fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, or FXTAS.
UC Davis MIND Institute partners in nationwide brain tissue collection program
May 2, 2013 — UC Davis Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences David Amaral, director of research at the UC Davis MIND Institute, will be the first director of a new network of sites that will collect and disseminate autism brain tissue to advance research in the field.
April 2013
MIND Institute, Yale study finds abnormalities in the placentas of children at risk for autism
April 24, 2013 — A study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Yale University School of Medicine has found that more than 95 percent of the placentas of infants who are among those at the greatest risk for developing autism contained abnormal cells, called trophoblast inclusions, suggesting that the abnormality may hold promise as a very early marker for autism risk.
Epidemiologist to give lecture on connections between autism risk factors and health-care claims
April 22, 2013 — Epidemiologist Craig Newschaffer of Drexel University will discuss "Autism Outcomes and Risk Factors: What Can We Learn from Health-Care Claims?” during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
Minocycline, an antibiotic, improves behavior for children with fragile X syndrome
April 8, 2013 — Minocycline, an older, broad-spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline family, provides meaningful improvements as a therapeutic for children with fragile X syndrome, a study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute has found. The finding is important, the researchers said, because minocycline is readily available by prescription.
UC Davis MIND Institute's Rogers receives prestigious Autism Centers of Excellence award from the NIH
April 2, 2013 — Autism researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute have received a prestigious $13 million award from the National Institutes of Health to establish an Autism Center of Excellence and Treatment Network, making the MIND Institute one of only nine such centers in the United States.
March 2013
Development of the brain's networks topic of next MIND Institute Distinguished Lecture
March 27, 2013 — Bradley L. Schlaggar of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis will discuss “Development of the Brain’s Functional Networks” during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
New insights into how genes turn on and off
March 27, 2013 — Researchers at UC Davis and the University of British Columbia have shed new light on methylation, a critical process that helps control how genes are expressed. Working with placentas, the team discovered that 37 percent of the placental genome has regions of lower methylation, called partially methylated domains (PMDs), in which gene expression is turned off. This differs from most human tissues, in which 70 percent of the genome is highly methylated.
Abbeduto receives grant to study language acquisition in fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome
March 26, 2013 — A team of researchers led by UC Davis MIND Institute Director Leonard Abbeduto will investigate the effectiveness of testing procedures to examine the spoken language development of people with fragile X syndrome and people with Down syndrome, through a new five-year, $3 million grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health.
UC Davis MIND Institute holds National Autism Awareness Month activities
March 5, 2013 — April is National Autism Awareness Month and the UC Davis MIND Institute, an institute respected internationally for its groundbreaking research into therapies for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, is holding a series of free, inclusive events in recognition of the month-long observance. The events also mark the 15-year anniversary of the MIND Institute, founded in 1998.
Rogers honored for "Breaking the Glass Ceiling"
March 5, 2013 — Sally J. Rogers, UC Davis professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was honored on Monday during the Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. The awards celebrate the successes of California women in breaking barriers in the fields of science, technology, the arts, the judiciary and beyond. The ceremony was part of the Assembly’s celebration of Women’s History Month during the Floor Session.
February 2013
A new role for microglia
February 26, 2013 — In a surprise breakthrough, researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute and their colleagues have found that microglia remove healthy neural progenitor cells (NPCs) through phagocytosis to control neuron production during brain development. This newly discovered mechanism keeps neuron numbers in check, preventing brain overgrowth. The discovery could open up new avenues for brain research and lead to therapies for a variety of neurological conditions.
Neurobiologist Paul Patterson to give lecture on gut-brain-immune connections in autism
February 25, 2013 — Neurobiologist Paul Patterson, the Anne P. and Benjamin F. Biaggini Professor of Biological Sciences at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, will discuss “Gut-Brain-Immune Connections: Modeling an Environmental Risk Factor for Autism,” during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
January 2013
Catherine Lord, internationally respected autism researcher, to give Distinguished Lecture
January 31, 2013 — Catherine Lord, director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, will discuss “Longitudinal Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder” during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
Low levels of common flame-retardant chemical damages brain cells
January 16, 2013 — A common ingredient in flame retardants, BDE-49 accumulates in human blood, fat and breast milk. Despite these concentrations, little research has been done on the chemical’s potential health risks. However, a study by scientists at the UC Davis MIND Institute is shedding new light on BDE-49’s potential danger to brain health. The study showed that even tiny amounts of the compound damage neural mitochondria, the energy plants that power our cells. The chemical, quite literally, reduces brain power.
MIND Institute researchers receive grants from Autism Speaks
January 11, 2013 — Two internationally respected UC Davis MIND Institute researchers have received grants from Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy and science organization, to study autism from two different perspectives.
Researchers to scale Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for fragile X research
January 10, 2013 — UC Davis Professors Paul and Randi Hagerman have devoted their lives to finding cures for a host of disorders that all spring from an inherited defect on the X chromosome that causes lifelong intellectual disability in children, tremors in older men and reproductive problems in women.
Next Minds Behind the MIND lecture to focus on Down syndrome
January 7, 2013 — Recent estimates place the prevalence of Down syndrome at 1 in 691 births, making it the leading known genetic cause of intellectual disability. During the January UC Davis MIND Institute “Minds Behind the MIND” presentation, researchers will provide an update on what is known about Down syndrome, its impact on the individual and their family, and possible treatments.
MIND Institute lecture explores gap between autism detection and intervention
January 3, 2013 — Wendy L. Stone, director and Susan & Richard Fade Endowed Chair at the University of Washington Autism Center in Seattle, will discuss “From Early Detection to Early Intervention: Bridging the Gap in Autism Services” during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
December 2012
Genetic defect that causes fragile X-related disorders more common than thought
December 21, 2012 — A single genetic defect on the X chromosome that can result in a wide array of conditions — from learning and emotional disabilities to primary ovarian insufficiency in women and tremors in middle-aged men — occurs at a much greater frequency than previously thought, research led by the UC Davis MIND Institute has found.
UC Davis MIND Institute studies among the world's best in 2012
December 21, 2012 — Three UC Davis MIND Institute research studies are included in the Top 10 Autism Research Achievements of 2012 as identified by Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism advocacy and research organization.
UC Davis research is number five in TIME magazine's Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs for 2012
December 11, 2012 — Autism research by UC Davis MIND Institute Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Sally Rogers has been named number five among the Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2012 by TIME magazine.
November 2012
Development of language and communication in autism the topic of next MIND Institute Lecture
November 30, 2012 — Boston University Professor and President of the International Society for Autism Research Helen Tager-Flusberg will give a presentation titled "On the Origins and Development of Language and Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder" for the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
International team of investigators discovers likely basis of birth defect causing premature skull closure in infants
November 18, 2012 — An international team of geneticists, pediatricians, surgeons, and epidemiologists from 23 institutions across three continents have identified two areas of the human genome associated with the most common form of non-syndromic craniosynostosis ― premature closure of the bony plates of the skull. [en español] [中文 Chinese]
Higher anxiety is associated with poorer functioning in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
November 5, 2012 — UC Davis researchers have found that for children with the genetic disorder known as chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome anxiety ― but not intelligence ― is linked to poorer adaptive behaviors that affect daily life. The developmental syndrome, which is associated with a constellation of physical, cognitive and psychiatric problems, usually is apparent at birth or early childhood, and leads to lifelong challenges. [en español] or [中文 Chinese]
October 2012
MIND Institute ADHD program receives $3 million grant from NIMH
October 29, 2012 — Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the brain's ability to assert self-control, of particular concern during adolescence when the negative consequences of poor self-control can result in choices that can diminish lifetime possibilities for achievement, such as dropping out of school, substance abuse, driving while under the influence or engaging in unprotected sex.
Anthropological perspectives on autism the topic of the next MIND Institute lecture
October 29, 2012 — R. Richard Grinker, professor of anthropology, human sciences and Iiternational affairs at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will discuss "Culture and Autism: Anthropological Perspectives on the U.S., Korea, and South Africa" during the next UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation.
Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months
October 26, 2012 — An intensive early intervention therapy that is effective for improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism also normalizes their brain activity, decreases their autism symptoms and improves their social skills, a nationwide study has found. The researchers said that the study is the first to demonstrate that an autism early intervention program can normalize brain activity. [en español]
Immune activation in pregnant mice affects brains of offspring
October 25, 2012 — A brief kick to the immune system of a pregnant mouse can cause persistent changes in the brains of the offspring, according to new research from the University of California, Davis, Center for Neuroscience.
Internationally respected neonatologist to lead UC Davis Department of Pediatrics
October 15, 2012 — Robin H. Steinhorn, an internationally recognized neonatologist, has been named chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the UC Davis School of Medicine. The department provides state-of-the-art clinical care and conducts research into disease conditions affecting infants, children, adolescents and young adults. As chair of the Department of Pediatrics, Steinhorn also serves as director of UC Davis Children's Hospital, the only nationally ranked pediatric hospital in inland Northern California.
September 2012
MIND Institute 2012-2013 Distinguished Lecturer Series begins Oct. 10
September 21, 2012 — The UC Davis MIND Institute begins the 11th year of its Distinguished Lecturer Series on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Series presenters include nationally and internationally recognized researchers in autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, among other neurodevelopmental disorders.
New targeted drug for treating fragile X syndrome, potentially autism, is effective
September 19, 2012 — An investigational compound that targets the core symptoms of fragile X syndrome is effective for addressing the social withdrawal and challenging behaviors characteristic of the condition, making it the first such discovery for fragile X syndrome and, potentially, the first for autism spectrum disorder, a study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, has found. [en español] [中文 Chinese]
MIND Institute researchers study ADHD and methamphetamine addiction
September 10, 2012 — Why people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at greater risk of substance dependence, particularly methamphetamine dependence, and have greater difficulty overcoming their addiction is the subject of a new study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute.
August 2012
Three young UC Davis researchers receive prestigious national grants to study schizophrenia
August 28, 2012 — Each addressing the disease from different and unique perspectives, three young UC Davis researchers have received one of the most prestigious mental-health grants in the world to investigate one of the least understood and devastating psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia.
Diagnosis often missed for Hispanic children with developmental delay, autism
August 27, 2012 — Hispanic children often have undiagnosed developmental delays and large numbers of Hispanic and non-Hispanic children who first were thought to have developmental delay actually had autism, researchers affiliated with the UC Davis MIND Institute have found. [en español]
Aguilar-Gaxiola appointed to lead statewide autism task force
August 16, 2012 — Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, director of the UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities, has been appointed by state Senate Pro-Tempore Darrell Steinberg to co-chair a task force to investigate the equitable distribution of autism services to diverse communities in California. [en español]
Research shows gene defect's role in autism-like behavior
August 10, 2012 — Scientists affiliated with the UC Davis MIND Institute have discovered how a defective gene causes brain changes that lead to the atypical social behavior characteristic of autism. The research offers a potential target for drugs to treat the condition.
