Neuro-inflammation may be intrinsic to autism

Kathy Mahdoubi | | Health Imaging | Molecular Imaging

Genetic research from John Hopkins and the University of Alabama Birmingham are providing a road map of inflammation linked to autism thanks to a fleet of tissue samples from 72 autistic and healthy brains. Analyses of these tissues showed microglial cells in perpetual hyperdrive, which translates into neuro-inflammation.

Dan E. Arking, PhD, associated professor at the McKusick-Nathans Institute for Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said it's too early to tell for certain, due to limited data. It is probably not the direct cause of autism, but there is a correlation, said Arking in this Fox News report.

Brain inflammation a shared trait in autism, study finds

Kathy Mahdoubi

Related Content

Researchers receive grant worth millions to develop portable PET scanner
Why is the US still dependent on foreign medical isotope production?
Downed high-flux reactor could restart sooner than anticipated
Some nuc med departments are already feeling the strain of the isotope shortage
NorthStar opens facility to assist with development and distribution of vital radioisotopes
Lizard saliva could be key to spotting elusive pancreatic tumors

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

Design by Adaptive Theme
Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup