Baoji Xu, PhD

Autism disproportionately affects boys. A new study offers a potential mechanism. Brain cells called microglia prune synaptic connections during early development. A specific genetic mutation affecting males led to enlarged microglia that had trouble performing that job.

The “synapse pruning” process that underlies everyday learning involves a pruning function mediated by an enzyme called caspase 2.

Mice lacking BDNF in certain brain regions showed signs of anxiety. They also had an elevated basal metabolic rate.

"We need to know what is happening in the brain so that we can develop more efficient therapies."