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Neuronal hyperactivity and broader tuning linked to altered sound processing in autism model rats

People with autism spectrum disorders commonly have difficulty processing sensory information, which can make busy, bright or loud settings—such as schools, airports and restaurants—stressful or even painful. The neurological causes for altered sound processing are complex, and researchers are interested in better understanding them to make life better for people with autism.

In a study that combines behavioral tests, computer models and electrophysiological recordings of neuron activity, researchers have found that hyperactivity of neurons in the auditory cortex and the reaction of these neurons to an unusually broad range of frequencies contribute to this altered processing in rat models. The research is published in the journal PLOS Biology.

“One of the things we thought wasn’t being looked at enough was this idea of sensory discrimination: being able to distinguish between different features in our environment,” said Benjamin Auerbach, a professor of molecular and integrative physiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

After distractions, rotating brain waves may help thought circle back to the task

As sure as the brain is prone to distraction, it can also return its focus to the task at hand. A new study in animals by scientists at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory of MIT shows how that seems to happen: Coordinated neural activity in the form of a rotating brain wave puts thought back on track.

“The rotating waves act like herders that steer the cortex back to the correct computational path,” said study senior author Earl K. Miller, Picower Professor in the Picower Institute and MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

Picower Institute postdoc Tamal Batabyal is the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Imaging study shows how brains go off-track in rare childhood disorder

Researchers at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology have visualized how brain network development is altered in a model of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, a rare childhood brain disorder. Using longitudinal imaging techniques, the team observed differences in how brain regions communicate and connect, long before behavioral symptoms appear.

KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2-DEE) is a rare but severe neurological disorder that affects newborns. Children with this condition typically develop seizures within days after birth and continue to face learning and movement difficulties. The disorder is caused by mutations in a potassium-channel gene that disrupts normal brain activity.

To investigate how this disorder affects , the team of Professor Sarah Weckhuysen visualized and structure throughout early growth in mice carrying the same genetic defect. The study is published in the journal eBioMedicine.

Unlocking next-generation battery performance: Fluoride-based solid electrolyte surpasses voltage limits

In a major advancement for energy storage technology, Professor Yoon Seok Jung and his team at Yonsei University reveal a new fluoride-based solid electrolyte that enables all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) to operate beyond 5 volts safely.

Their paper, published in Nature Energy, addressed a long-standing barrier in battery science, achieving high voltage stability without sacrificing ionic conductivity.

As Prof. Jung explains, “Our fluoride , LiCl–4Li2TiF6, opens a previously forbidden route for high-voltage operation in , marking a true paradigm shift in energy storage design.”

Scientists Unlock the Cancer-Fighting Power of the Rarest Element on Earth

Texas A&M researchers have unlocked a new way to harness astatine-211, a rare and powerful isotope that may revolutionize cancer treatment. Astatine is the rarest naturally occurring element on the planet and among the least explored in the periodic table, largely because its name, derived fr

China-Linked Hackers Exploit Windows Shortcut Flaw to Target European Diplomats

The activity targeted diplomatic organizations in Hungary, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as government agencies in Serbia, Arctic Wolf said in a technical report published Thursday.

“The attack chain begins with spear-phishing emails containing an embedded URL that is the first of several stages that lead to the delivery of malicious LNK files themed around European Commission meetings, NATO-related workshops, and multilateral diplomatic coordination events,” the cybersecurity company said.

The files are designed to exploit ZDI-CAN-25373 to trigger a multi-stage attack chain that culminates in the deployment of the PlugX malware using DLL side-loading. PlugX is a remote access trojan that’s also referred to as Destroy RAT, Kaba, Korplug, SOGU, and TIGERPLUG.

CISA and NSA Issue Urgent Guidance to Secure WSUS and Microsoft Exchange Servers

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and National Security Agency (NSA), along with international partners from Australia and Canada, have released guidance to harden on-premise Microsoft Exchange Server instances from potential exploitation.

“By restricting administrative access, implementing multi-factor authentication, enforcing strict transport security configurations, and adopting zero trust (ZT) security model principles, organizations can significantly bolster their defenses against potential cyber attacks,” CISA said.

The agencies said malicious activity aimed at Microsoft Exchange Server continues to take place, with unprotected and misconfigured instances facing the brunt of the attacks. Organizations are advised to decommission end-of-life on-premises or hybrid Exchange servers after transitioning to Microsoft 365.

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