Mark Shen, Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, revealed in a special guest lecture that brain scans can uncover innovative biomarkers for developmental disabilities such as autism, Angelman syndrome, and Down syndrome. This research can also uncover the potential impact of environmental factors on these disabilities. Shen found that the amygdala, a region of the brain linked to processing emotions, experiences accelerated growth in children who later develop autism. Shen is also investigating whether poor cerebrospinal fluid circulation affects the brain’s ability to filter out potential environmental exposure. Collaborating with an NIEHS grantee from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, they assess biomarkers by gathering shed baby teeth. This research has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
