Tweets this week feature research about the increases in downloads and citations papers get through social-media shares, as well as findings that tie three autism-linked genes to a new point of convergence.

The fact that autism seems to affect more boys than girls is often attributed to diagnostic gaps, but the skew remains largely unexplained. Some scientists are turning to basic biology for answers.

In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers replicate encouraging findings on autism and aging and shoot down a host of potential links between pregnancy complications and having a child with autism.

The connection is likely mediated by environmental, not genetic, factors, according to a new study.

Pick up threads about how remote learning can benefit autistic students, why a study about screen time deserves scrutiny and how a newly discovered form of cellular communication could yield clues about autism.

Activating the immune system blunts social behavior in mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene SHANK3, according to a new study. Blocking TRPV4, which encodes an ion channel involved in inflammatory responses, can reverse this effect.

Mutations in all three accelerate the maturation of inhibitory neurons, which could upset the brain’s balance of excitation and inhibition early in development.

Model animals don’t develop the usual behavioral and motor problems when reared in an enclosure containing exercise wheels, toys and treats.

A researcher and science officer give tips for getting started with grant writing; scientists on Twitter explain why they went tenure-track; and a neurobiologist discusses why the field’s next generation needs to learn to code.

The protein, FMRP, shapes cell signaling near synapses but switches to regulate genes in the cell body, according to new research.