Copper imbalance tied to autism's social symptoms and white matter development

AI Summary

Researchers led by Niigata University report that copper, an essential trace element, may connect metabolic changes with white matter development and social symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This finding highlights copper's role in brain development.

Trace elements are needed only in small amounts, but they can have large effects on the developing brain. A research team led by Niigata University has now reported that copper, an essential trace element, may help connect metabolic changes in the body with white matter development and social behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).