Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to difficulties in understanding emotions and intentions from body cues. However, whether these challenges stem from visual perception differences remains unclear. To explore this, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare body part representation in the lateral occipitotemporal cortex of adults with and without ASD. They found highly similar representational structures in both groups, suggesting ASD social difficulties may arise from higher-order cognitive processes rather than visual perception.

A team led by Professor Wang Tao at Tianjin University’s School of Life Sciences has uncovered how the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) suppresses host cell apoptosis, enabling its replication. Their study, published in Science Bulletin, reveals that SFTSV exploits the MDM2-p53 signaling pathway to inhibit the formation of apoptotic complexes, a mechanism countered by the anticancer drug RG7388 (Idasanutlin). By blocking MDM2, RG7388 restores apoptotic sensitivity in infected cells, curbing viral propagation during early infection. The findings also illuminate broader therapeutic strategies for related viral threats.

Polyphenols Applications 2025 | October 2–3, Corinthia Palace, Malta

The 18th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications will bring together leading international experts, clinical researchers, chemists, and food technologists to present and debate the latest discoveries in polyphenol science, from gut microbiota and metabolic regulation to brain health, sustainable applications, and advanced delivery systems.

This prestigious scientific congress is chaired by Jan Frederik Stevens (Oregon State University, USA) and Andreas Schieber (University of Bonn, Germany), who emphasize the congress’s central mission: To bridge molecular science with actionable health strategies in the age of chronic diseases and health system overload.