A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a previously unknown link between inflammation during pregnancy and changes to the placenta, which may contribute to the development of autistic traits in male mice. The research suggests that disruptions in fetal development could begin much earlier than previously thought, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of autism.

According to Dr Lucas Cheadle, Associate Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, understanding autism requires looking beyond the brain alone. His team's findings imply that maternal immune activation and changes within the placenta may serve as an entry point for autism in certain individuals.

The study involved inducing an inflammatory response in pregnant mice using a substance that mimics the body's reaction to a viral infection without actually introducing a virus. This allowed researchers to investigate how inflammation affects fetal development at different stages of pregnancy.

Preliminary findings indicate that mouse fetuses are particularly vulnerable when exposed to inflammation 12.5 days into gestation, with approximately one-third showing developmental abnormalities within just 24 hours.

Researchers have been studying the effects of maternal immune activation for many years, but recent findings suggest that developmental disruption can occur earlier than previously thought.

A striking aspect of this research is the difference in outcomes between male and female fetuses. In every experiment conducted, autism-like traits were observed only in males, while females continued to develop normally without issue.

This disparity could provide valuable insights into why autism is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls. The early appearance of these differences is also noteworthy, as it occurs before the biological changes typically associated with sex-specific development take place.

According to one researcher, this finding is particularly intriguing because it appears at an age preceding hormonal surges and other key developmental milestones.

The placenta, a vital organ connecting the developing fetus to its mother, has emerged as a crucial area of focus in understanding these findings.

The placenta's protective function against maternal immune activation is crucial for fetal development, as it shields the fetus from an overly aggressive immune response.

Damage to spongiotrophoblasts can disrupt this protection, allowing the mother's immune system to target the developing fetus and potentially cause harm.

Research suggests that female fetuses may have a hidden advantage in terms of resistance to maternal immune activation. This raises questions about why male fetuses appear more vulnerable to its effects.

One possible explanation is that male embryos produce proteins that can trigger an adverse maternal immune response after infection, making them more susceptible to damage. Alternatively, female embryos may possess a protective mechanism that enables them to withstand inflammation during critical developmental periods.

Cheadle's research team aims to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind these differing responses in both male and female mice.

Their findings suggest that crucial clues to autism's early development might not be confined solely to brain studies but could also lie in the placenta and its interactions with the maternal immune system, offering a novel perspective on the condition's origins.

Further investigation of this phenomenon may ultimately lead to the identification of new targets for treatments and provide insights into how to intervene earlier in developmental processes associated with autism.

ScienceDaily Health: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/11/261102202824.htm

Throughout its run, the series has been building up to this climactic moment, with the witches fighting tirelessly against young Mr. Nas, who is revealed to be none other than Satan himself. As the stakes reached their highest point last week, viewers were left wondering what would happen next in the story.

The finale delivers on its promises of drama and surprise, as young Mr. Nas takes drastic measures to ensure his own survival. In a shocking twist, he kills off two characters who had been closely tied to the plot: Mr. Phibes, the medical specialist, and even an older version of himself.

Meanwhile, Fiona's introduction to Constance is a pivotal moment in the episode, hinting at her potential role within the Coven. The bond between these two characters takes center stage as they explore the world of witchcraft together.

As the story unfolds, Ben and Madison's relationship reaches new heights - or rather, depths - when Madison becomes pregnant after their intimate encounter. But what happens next is nothing short of astonishing: she gives birth to a baby, only for it to appear lifeless, prompting young Mr. Nas to revive it with his dark powers.

The plot thickens as Mallory and Cordelia discover their plan to defeat Satan requires a crucial sacrifice from Ben.

This pivotal moment marks a turning point in the season, and Paul Anthony Kelly's character plays a key role in its execution.

Kelly's response to his character's fate is telling, as he reveals the producers were still writing the season script as he began filming.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly discussed the behind-the-scenes process, stating that significant changes occurred between the start of production and the final product.

As for whether Kelly would return for future seasons, or if his character's fate is set in stone, the question remains open-ended.

Kelly has been preoccupied with personal matters during the filming of American Horror Story Season 13. He is currently working on another project, The Housemaid's Secret, and his TV time has significantly decreased due to a new addition at home - a baby.

In hindsight, it appears that Kelly's character would have been the second-in-command in the family business, with plans to lure Ben into their fold. This further highlights the sinister intentions of the family members.

Kelly expressed surprise when Ben sacrificed himself to defeat him, stating he was "flabbergasted" and "very unimpressed" by his choices. He had previously mentioned that his character had some redeeming qualities, but this did not seem to be reflected in their actions.

The finale showed Kelly's character displaying mercy towards a man and a dog, as well as saving Madison and Ben's child from harm. This may have been what he was referring to when he spoke of his character having good qualities. It seems that they decided to call off the game and spare some lives along the way.

Kelly attributed the Coven's close proximity to defeating him to familial ties - specifically, Sarah Paulson's character being his grandchild. He also shed light on the final scene with John Waters' character, stating it was simply a return to hell for that individual.

The finale of American Horror Story Season 13 has left fans wondering about the fate of certain characters.

Paul Anthony Kelly's character, one of those who met a seemingly final end, has been getting a lot of attention from viewers. According to Kelly, his character was condemned to hell but managed to get everything he ever wanted, including the opportunity to make the biker movie he had always desired.

Kelly notes that American Horror Story is known for its twists and turns, with characters often returning from the dead. However, this time around, the ending felt more definitive than usual. Kelly's character seemed to be stuck in a state of purgatory, being watched over by the Coven, with no clear indication of when or if he would escape.

Kelly was asked about his thoughts on his character's fate and whether he believed him to be truly dead or back in hell. He laughed off the question, suggesting that it was more likely a purgatorial state. When asked if he knew the true answer, Kelly replied that no one did, emphasizing the need for further writing to clarify the situation.

The show has also raised questions about Constance's ultimate fate, given her dealings with Kelly's character. As for his own experiences on set, Kelly mentioned filming alongside many of AHS' royalty and was asked to choose a favorite or most memorable scene from the season.

Filming death scenes in American Horror Story was an enjoyable experience for Paul Anthony Kelly, who played the role of young Mr. Nas. The prosthetic work and special effects added to the excitement, particularly during a scene where his character had to kill the older version of himself.

The blood splatter in one of these scenes proved to be a bit more intense than intended, with black goo spraying everywhere and covering Kelly. However, he took it in stride, laughing about the incident. The chaos was likely a result of the high level of detail that goes into creating such gruesome effects for the show.

Kelly's time on set was not just about performing; he also had the opportunity to learn from some of the franchise's most experienced actors. He spent a significant amount of time with Jessica Lange, who made a lasting impression on him. Kelly has also formed friendships with other cast members, including Sarah Paulson.

In addition to his experiences on American Horror Story, Kelly shared his thoughts on previous seasons of the show. While he admits that he fell out of regular viewing after the first few seasons, Freak Show remains one of his favorites due to its lighthearted and entertaining tone.

Kelly's future with the franchise is uncertain at this point. However, it seems possible that his character could return in a later season, given the show's history of bringing back previous characters in new contexts.

The finale of American Horror Story's thirteenth season has concluded, leaving fans wondering what's next for the show and its characters. According to Paul Anthony Kelly, a possibility exists that his character could make a comeback in a future season.

Kelly's comments suggest that Ryan Murphy, the show's creator, is known for bringing back previous characters in new contexts, which implies that nothing is set in stone when it comes to the show's narrative. The 14th season of American Horror Story has been renewed, and Kelly hints that he would consider returning if called upon.

Kelly's experience working in the horror genre as part of American Horror Story: 13 marks his first foray into this particular field, but he expresses enthusiasm about continuing to work within it.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/american-horror-story-finale-paul-anthony-kelly-explained-1236741324/

Their premature arrival coincided with a surge in violence in Yemen's ongoing civil war between Houthi rebels and government forces, forcing the family to flee their village in south-west Yemen.

The family of seven was forced out of their home in the Kahboub mountains as Houthi fighters arrived, bringing bombs, missiles, and drone attacks. The twins were left vulnerable, wrapped only in blankets for protection.

As they fled on foot, the family's journey became increasingly desperate - three days of walking through conflict zones to reach the relative safety of Aden, a port city in western Yemen.

Their father, Bajash Ali Sagir Hassan, describes their ordeal as "very difficult". Without transportation, they were forced to rely on the kindness of strangers, with one person offering them a ride after others refused.

Bajash's face is etched with worry as he struggles to care for his newborn twins in the midst of Yemen's raging conflict. The price of baby milk has skyrocketed due to the war, forcing him to ration it and often resorting to giving them only water when supplies run low.

The twins' condition took a turn for the worse when they were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, a condition that can be just as deadly as a bullet wound. Malnutrition in Yemen is a ticking time bomb, another casualty of the devastating civil war that has ravaged the country for years.

The conflict has taken a dire toll on civilians, with around 800,000 people no longer receiving lifesaving aid and over 250,000 displaced since an informal ceasefire collapsed in the summer. The Houthis have made significant gains along the Red Sea coast, cutting off vital supplies to Yemen's third largest city, Taiz.

The United Nations has warned that civilians in Taiz are at grave risk of starvation due to soaring food prices and lack of access to aid. As the conflict rages on, fathers like Bajash continue to fight for their children's survival, but the situation grows increasingly dire by the day.

The hospital corridors are filled with anxious parents searching for beds for their critically ill children. Amidst this chaos, Bajash found an ally in nurse Aisha Ragab, who has experienced similar hardships herself after fleeing the war in 2018.

Aisha's empathy is evident as she expresses her understanding of the families' struggles. Despite her own traumatic past, she remains resolute and determined to help those in need. Her conviction is a beacon of hope for parents like Bajash, who are fighting for their children's survival.

In a desperate bid to save the twins, Aisha convinces hospital staff to settle for a single bed, arguing that even sharing would be better than having none at all. Within an hour, the twins are lying on the makeshift bed, their fragile bodies taking up minimal space.

Lina is trying to feed her twins, but Raad is struggling to keep down the fortified milk. His eyes are wide with hunger and his cheeks are sunken, a stark reminder of the dire situation they face. Despite the odds, Lina remains hopeful that God will intervene and help her children recover.

The hospital's pediatric unit is woefully understaffed due to international funding shortages. Only 13 patients can be admitted at any given time, leaving many critically ill children without access to medical care. Dr Noor Mohammed, a harried young doctor, is visibly frustrated by the constraints he faces in providing adequate treatment for his patients.

The scarcity of medical equipment and resources in hospitals like al-Sadaqah is taking a devastating toll on patients. The lack of basic necessities such as ventilation machines, oxygen bottles, and laboratory facilities makes it extremely challenging for doctors to provide adequate care.

A recent surge in fighting has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving civilians vulnerable to harm. Even before the latest escalation, the United Nations had predicted that half a million Yemeni children would suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year.

The malnutrition unit at al-Sadaqah hospital is overwhelmed with cases of severely ill babies, many of whom are readmitted shortly after discharge due to their families' inability to provide proper nutrition and care. This cycle of admission and re-admission has become all too common for the medical staff.

Parents like Bajash, who lost his flock when he fled conflict-affected areas, are struggling to make ends meet, leaving them with no choice but to rely on overburdened public hospitals. Many families in similar situations are forced to seek medical attention at facilities that are ill-equipped to handle their needs.

The emotional toll of working under such conditions is evident in the faces of hospital staff, who often find themselves drained by the constant stream of suffering and loss they witness every day.

As families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones in hospitals overwhelmed by the conflict, many are forced to care for multiple children on their own. This is the case for one father who has been spending his days tending to his newborn twins while also looking after three other young children, all under the age of five.

The emotional toll of caring for these families is compounded by the harsh conditions they face outside of hospitals as well. With no access to basic amenities like toys or bedding, families are often left with nowhere else to go but onto the streets, where they must spend their nights exposed to the elements.

BBC News World: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr5ynl63v0pyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Cameron and his professional partner, Sharna Burgess, performed a contemporary dance routine to Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers, dedicating their performance to mothers everywhere. The emotional tribute was met with applause from the audience, who were visibly moved by the heartfelt gesture.

In a surprise revelation that left fans in awe, Cameron's fiancée Tate Madden took to the stage and announced that she is pregnant with their first child. The couple's joyous moment was marked with pink confetti as they shared the exciting news live on air.

The news sparked widespread excitement among viewers, who were thrilled for the expectant parents-to-be. In a poignant statement, Cameron expressed his delight at becoming a girl dad", describing it as a "gift" and an "opportunity.

As fans eagerly await more updates from the couple, it's worth noting that Cameron and Madden have been dating for around two years and got engaged in August, just before filming began on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.

The couple's decision to reveal their pregnancy news on Dancing With the Stars was a deliberate one, allowing them to share the moment with a wider audience.

A meaningful way to celebrate their unborn child was at the forefront of their minds when planning the dance routine, Cameron explained in an interview.

Cameron and Madden recently relocated from Florida to Los Angeles so he could participate in the reality series, which meant missing out on one of Madden's ultrasound appointments while he was away competing.

The first glimpse of their baby's ultrasound picture had a profound effect on Cameron when Madden brought it to him after his return from New York City. Seeing that image marked a turning point for him, making the pregnancy feel all the more real and tangible.

Cameron has personal reasons to honor his mother through the competition, who passed away from a brain aneurysm in February 2020.

Making it to Dedication Night was a personal goal for Tyler Cameron, who had been eager to honor his mother through dance. He saw this opportunity as one of the most meaningful ways to pay tribute to her memory. For Cameron, achieving this milestone would be a way to give back to his mother.

The experience was also made special by working with professional dancer Sharna Burgess, whom he described as an incredible storyteller". When she shared her vision for telling his story through dance, he felt deeply moved and emotional. In fact, the mere thought of it brought him close to tears.

Cameron's perseverance paid off as he successfully reached Dedication Night, and now he and the other contestants will move on to Horror Movie Night, marking a new chapter in the competition.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tyler-cameron-tate-madden-pregnant-dancing-with-the-stars-1236737022/

The film, based on Colin Meloy's bestselling novel of the same name, follows the adventures of Prue, a teenage girl living in Portland with her loving parents. The story takes an unexpected turn when Prue's baby brother Mac is abducted by a murder of crows while they are out on a joyride through the city.

The scene in which Mac disappears is both terrifying and adorable, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling ride. With its unique blend of fantasy and adventure, Wildwood is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Laika has established itself as a leader in stop-motion animation with films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, but Wildwood represents a new level of ambition and sophistication. The film's 132-minute runtime sets a record for the longest stop-motion movie, but it never feels overwhelming or drawn out.

Wildwood boasts an impressive voice cast, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, and many more. The film's PG-13 rating is well-deserved, given the occasional scary moment that will keep younger viewers on their toes.

Despite its complex storyline, Wildwood never feels like a chore to watch, thanks in large part to Laika's masterful storytelling and technical skills. With its unique blend of fantasy and adventure, this film is sure to be a hit with audiences worldwide.

As Prue delves deeper into the mysterious Impassible Wilderness, she finds herself surrounded by a cast of eccentric characters. There's the dowager governess Alexandra, who has become unhinged after her son's tragic death and is now driven by a dark obsession. Her grief has consumed her to the point where she orchestrates the kidnapping of Prue's brother Mac as part of a twisted pact involving black magic.

The journey through this enchanted land is fraught with danger, but it also reveals unexpected alliances and friendships. Curtis, Prue's classmate, proves himself to be more than just a nerdy sidekick, displaying resourcefulness and bravery in the face of adversity. He forms a particularly strong bond with Septima, a fearless rat who becomes an integral part of their quest.

The Avian Principality is another key player in this fantastical world, led by the formidable General. Brendan the Bandit King also lends his support to Prue's cause, while Iphigenia, a wise elderly sage, offers guidance and insight with her words of wisdom. Each character adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it feel all the more immersive.

The visual imagination on display is nothing short of breathtaking, with intricate details and textures that bring this fantastical world to life. But what truly sets 'Wildwood' apart is its thoughtful and nuanced approach to storytelling. Alexandra's backstory, in particular, adds a layer of complexity to her character, making her more than just a one-dimensional villain.

The tender moments between Prue and her family members are heartwarming, offering a respite from the action and adventure that dominates much of the film. Meanwhile, Curtis's transformation from classmate to confidant is a welcome development, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the story.

Prue's relationships with those around her are at the forefront of this epic adventure, making it feel both personal and universal. The screenplay, crafted by Travis Knight and Chris Butler, has woven together a rich tapestry that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.

The world of Wildwood is teeming with colorful characters, each one bringing their unique personality to the story. One such character is Owl Rex, a dignified leader in the Avian Principality, voiced by Richard E. Grant. He meets Prue and attempts to persuade her that magic does exist.

Owl Rex's witty remarks add a touch of humor to the scene, as he points out the absurdity of talking to an owl in a waistcoat. This exchange highlights the clever writing and attention to detail that has gone into creating this richly textured world. The Avian Principality is one of many realms that make up the complex society of Wildwood.

Action-packed sequences are also a key part of the film, with one particularly notable scene being an elaborate climactic battle sequence. Alexandra's coyote forces are led by Maksim, a loyal and dedicated commander voiced by Tom Waits. The scene is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, thanks to the exceptional animation and voice performances.

The visual effects in Wildwood are truly breathtaking, with Caleb Deschanel bringing his expertise as cinematographer to create stunning shots throughout the film. With over 200 practical puppets and 130 sets involved in the production, it's clear that a massive effort has gone into creating this stop-motion epic. The result is a world that feels fully realized and alive.

The voice cast of Wildwood includes an impressive array of talented actors, including Amandla Stenberg, Blythe Danner, Rob Delaney, and Jemaine Clement. Each performer brings their unique style to the role, delivering nuanced and complex performances that add depth to the story.

The stop-motion animation technique used in Wildwood is a testament to Laika's innovative spirit and technical prowess. The film's intricate sets and characters are brought to life through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

The result is a cinematic experience that transports viewers into the world of Wildwood, where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly together. With its richly detailed environments and memorable characters, this ambitious project has set a new standard for stop-motion animation.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/wildwood-review-laika-travis-knight-1236726335/