Microglial dysfunction has been implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but limited access to human brain tissue posed challenges in related research. A new study explored how immune cells called monocyte-derived macrophages can serve as models for microglia in ASD. Researchers used these cells to investigate neuroimmune responses, such as synaptic phagocytosis in ASD. These findings could open new avenues for understanding the brain-immune system connection in ASD and identifying potential targets for therapy.

An Osaka Metropolitan University researcher examined the nonlinear multidimensional factors that correlate with population changes according to city size. The results indicate that population changes correlated with welfare expenditures in small and medium-sized cities.

A higher tax on cigarettes in low and middle-income countries can help to reduce child mortality, especially amongst the poorest children, a new study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and published in The Lancet Public Health suggests.