Exploring Autism's Neural Network with Virtual Reality.

Researchers have developed a virtual reality (VR) imaging system that can measure a wide range of neural activity in the cortices of mice during active behavior. The system enabled them to detect abnormalities in cortical functional network dynamics found in autism model mice. Using machine learning, they were also able to highly accurately distinguish between autism model mice and wild-type mice based on the cortical functional network patterns when the mice start or stop running. The research is expected to lead to the development of new biomarkers for autism diagnosis.