Coronavirus vaccine | Blocking tau spread | Sex differences in autism

April 14, 2020 Edition COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and we at NIH are doing everything we can toward the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. You can find the latest public health information from CDC at www.coronavirus.gov and the latest research information from NIH at www.nih.gov/coronavirus. Meanwhile, science continues to progress on many other fronts, and we will continue to try to bring you stories across a wide range of topics. Microneedle coronavirus vaccine triggers immune response in mice When delivered to mice using microneedles, an experimental vaccine for COVID-19 caused antibody production against the disease within two weeks. Blocking cellular receptor stops spread of tau in mouse brains In experiments in cells and mice, blocking a cell receptor called LPR1 stopped both normal and harmful forms of tau, which are involved in dementias, from spreading between neurons. Gene linked to sex differences in autism Researchers found that a small cluster of mutations in the NLGN4X gene, which has been linked to autism spectrum disorder, may explain the sex differences tied to the gene. Popular Stories Novel coronavirus structure reveals targets for vaccines and treatments Study suggests new coronavirus may remain on surfaces for days Number of steps per day more important than step intensity How stress causes gray hair   Dopamine affects how brain decides whether a goal is worth the effort