Drug reverses autism-like brain changes in adult mice within hours, study finds

Global Science Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:12:31 GMT Moderate confidence — 64/100

Key TakeawaysIn mice exposed to inflammation during pregnancy, the offspring developed lasting autism-like brain and behavior changes, suggesting that early inflammation can disrupt brain development in ways that persist into adulthood.
A single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved several of those changes, including brain overactivity, seizure risk, sensory sensitivity, repetitive behaviors and abnormal brain functional network organization.
The findings suggest that some autism-related brain changes may still be treatable in adulthood, pointing to possible therapeutic approaches that target the

Key TakeawaysIn mice exposed to inflammation during pregnancy, the offspring developed lasting autism-like brain and behavior changes, suggesting that early inflammation can disrupt brain development in ways that persist into adulthood.
A single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved several of those changes, including brain overactivity, seizure risk, sensory sensitivity, repetitive behaviors and abnormal brain functional network organization.
The findings suggest that some autism-related brain changes may still be treatable in adulthood, pointing to possible therapeutic approaches that target the

Sources: Uclahealth