A new research from the University of Southern California (USC) has made a crucial new discovery regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlighting the vital, yet often unexamined, connection between gut health and brain activity. The research, published in Nature Communications, highlights how children with autism may be experiencing metabolic disorders due to gut imbalance, which in turn affect the manufacture of neurotransmitters, and as a result, have an impact on behavior linked to the condition.

By current estimates around the world—1% of the world's population suffers from ASD, emerging findings such as these provide promise for more specific and effective treatments.

The idea that brain and gut constantly communicate with one another is no longer speculative; it's an essential biological truth. The gut-brain axis, a highly evolved, two-way communication network, involves neural, hormonal, and immunological signaling pathways. Interestingly, the gut possesses its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and it contains more neurons than the spinal cord.

We demonstrated how gut metabolites affect the brain, and also how the brain affects behavior," says Professor Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, lead author on the USC study and researcher for USC's Brain and Creativity Institute. "Essentially, the brain is the middleman between autism behavior and gut health.".

About 90% of the neural communications between gut and brain go in the direction from gut to brain, and not the other way around, suggesting that gut health may have a more predominant role in dictating emotions and behavior than is currently accepted.

Gut-Brain Connection in Autism

The USC study recruited 84 children aged 8 to 17—43 with autism and 41 neurotypical controls. Researchers collected behavioral information, conducted brain scans, and analyzed stool samples to examine gut metabolites. Of note was the "tryptophan pathway," which degrades the amino acid tryptophan to synthesize serotonin and other neuroactive compounds.

Since serotonin is needed for emotional regulation, socialization, and learning—and 90% of it is produced in the gut—results point to the huge impact that gut health can have on brain function. Abnormality in serotonin production through the imbalance of gut microbes has a direct link with normal ASD symptoms, including social challenges and repetitive behavior.

Gut Microbe Imbalances Could Predict A Child's Risk For Autism

Children with ASD also frequently present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms—constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gastroesophageal reflux—frequently more than their neurotypical peers. They are not mere comorbidities, but could very likely be part of the pathology of ASD.

"The gut-brain axis may offer a way to explain the overlap of GI and behavioral symptoms," adds Sofronia Ringold, a USC doctoral student and study coauthor. "If we can reach the gut, we may also be able to influence behavior and thought."

This is where the tryptophan pathway plays a crucial role. Gut bacteria determine the metabolism of tryptophan, and as a result, serotonin production is influenced, and brain activity linked to autism-related behavior may be altered.

What Triggers Autism?

ASD has also been shown to result from a combination of epigenetic, genetic, and environmental factors. It has been linked with immune dysregulation, raised inflammatory cytokine levels, and complications during birth. However, the gut is increasingly being identified as a potentially modifiable factor in this intricate web.

Children with ASD typically possess higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which may be responsible for breaking gut permeability and perpetuating a cycle of gut and brain inflammation.

Further, gut microbial dysbiosis—a distortion of the gut microbiome—has been shown to reduce microbial diversity and compromise intestinal barrier integrity. This can promote "leaky gut" conditions that allow toxic chemicals to enter the bloodstream and become transported to the brain, where they may trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ASD.

Treating ASD

While current treatments for ASD are largely behavioral interventions and, in some cases, medication, the study sets the stage for non-invasive treatments. These include microbiota-targeted treatments such as probiotics, diet, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Probiotics, for instance, have already shown promise in improving neurotransmitter production and cognitive function. But more stringent, extended trials need to be conducted to ascertain their safety and efficacy as a treatment for the symptoms of ASD.

One of the biggest challenges remains in addressing ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), which affects children with autism. This feeding style reduces food diversity and also complicates the restoration of microbial balance with diet alone.

The USC research adds to a growing global effort to understand ASD from a more holistic view. As the number of autism diagnoses continues to grow, especially in developing countries where awareness and resources are still emerging, this research can inform future recommendations for treating the condition more holistically—starting not just with the brain but the gut.

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on a troubling reality: corporal punishment remains widespread and continues to cause serious harm to children’s health, learning, and overall development.

Despite global progress in child protection laws, millions of children still face physical punishment both at home and in schools.

The Alarming Numbers

Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion children between the ages of 0 and 18 are subjected to corporal punishment in their own homes each year. The data is stark. Across 58 countries, around 17% of children who had recently experienced corporal punishment reported being subjected to its most severe forms. These included being hit on the head, face, or ears, or being struck hard and repeatedly.

The practice varies greatly from country to country. Among children aged 2 to 14 years, self-reported rates by parents and caregivers showed a wide range. In Kazakhstan, about 30% admitted to using corporal punishment in the past month, while in Ukraine the number was 32%. At the higher end, the figures climb to 63% in Serbia, 64% in Sierra Leone, and 77% in Togo.

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Schools Are Not Exempt

The troubling reality does not end at home. Schools, where children are supposed to feel safe, are also common settings for corporal punishment. Across parts of Africa and Central America, roughly 70% of children face some form of physical punishment during their school years.

In contrast, the Western Pacific region reports lower rates, but still around one in four children experience it in educational settings.

No Benefits, Only Harm

Experts stress that corporal punishment offers no benefits for children, families, or societies. Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, emphasizes that the evidence is now overwhelming.

Corporal punishment places children at multiple risks without improving their behavior, development, or well-being. Instead, it undermines their growth and creates lasting damage.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The report, Corporal Punishment of Children: The Public Health Impact, points out that some groups of children are more vulnerable than others. Those with disabilities, children of parents who themselves experienced corporal punishment, and those whose parents struggle with mental health issues or substance abuse face higher risks.

Larger societal factors, including poverty, racism, and discrimination, also play a significant role in perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Long-Term Health and Developmental Consequences

The effects of corporal punishment are far-reaching. Beyond immediate injuries, it alters children’s biological responses. Repeated punishment has been linked to higher stress hormone levels and even changes in brain structure and function, which can hinder healthy growth.

In low- and middle-income countries, data show that children exposed to corporal punishment are 24% less likely to be developmentally on track compared to their peers.

The psychological impact is equally concerning. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional instability are commonly seen in children who endure such punishment. Unfortunately, these issues often continue into adulthood, contributing to higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

A Broader Impact on Society

The damage is not confined to individual children. On a societal level, corporal punishment can normalize violence.

Children who experience it are more likely to struggle in school, adopt aggressive behaviors, and as adults, engage in antisocial or criminal conduct. The ripple effects create a dangerous cycle of violence across generations.

Moving Beyond Legislation

While many countries have enacted laws banning corporal punishment, the practice persists. This shows that legislation alone is insufficient. WHO stresses that legal reforms must be paired with awareness campaigns, parental support programs, and training for teachers. Promoting positive, non-violent approaches to discipline is key to breaking this cycle.

Jana Duggar, 35, days after celebrating her first wedding anniversary with her husband Stephen Wissmann, announced that they are expecting their first baby. The 19 Kids and Counting star said that the baby is expected to arrive in January 2026 and that the couple is "counting down the days and eagerly looking forward to this thrilling new chapter".

As Duggar looks forward to this new chapter in her life, it does raise an important question: How safe is it to have your baby after 30?

As per the National Institute of Health (NIH), US (2022), 20% of women in the US are now having their first child after the age of 35. While it is the new trend, the NIH doctor Dr Alan Decherney, a fertility expert explains that "As women age, they are still fertile, but their odds of pregnancy are decreased because they are not making as many good eggs that will fertile and divide normally and turn out to be an embryo."

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Is Getting Pregnant More Difficult After 30?

After age 30, a woman's fertility decreases ever year, notes the NIH July 2022 issue. It notes: "The number and quality of her eggs goes down until she reaches menopause."

However, experts do point out that getting pregnant in your 30s need not be a stressful affair at all times. As it is at this age when you experience more stability, and also someone you know who have a personal experience in handling one. Most important, you are more mature at this age, which you may not be in your 20s.

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Are You Planning Your Pregnancy After 30s? Here's How To Do It Right

Quit Habits: If you are a smoker, or consume alcohol, this is a good time to leave it.

Reduce Stress: While pregnancy for some can bring stress, try to find activities that help you release it.

Healthy Weight: Ensure that your weight is right, reduce your waist to bring it to a healthy range for a healthy pregnancy.

Food Habits: Stop eating junk and start eating more whole grains.

Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can impact negatively on the child. You do not have to do HIIT, however, regular easy workouts can make both the pregnancy and delivery easy.

What Women In Their 30s Should Be Ready For During Pregnancy?

Dr Michelle Y Owens, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a practicing maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, writes for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that "the longer your eggs have been around, the more likely they are to produce a pregnancy with a chromosome problem that can lead to a condition like Down syndrome. The risk goes up significantly after 35."

However, she says, there is a good news. Now, we have tools to detect and respond to pregnancy complications early.

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Why First Trimester Is Important For You And Your Baby?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, your first prenatal visit is the most thorough, this is when your complete medical history is taken, physical examination is done and certain tests and procedures are performed to assess the health of both you and your child.

This is also the time when the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances like alcohol, drugs and certain medicines, and illnesses like rubella, thus this is the most crucial time for the parents. First trimester is also the time when the baby undergoes a lot of development, while it may not be seen from the baby bump, however, the amniotic sac, placenta and the umbilical cord are all developed during this stage.

Since a lot of development happens during this stage, Dr Owens notes that this is why having a prenatal screening test during the first trimester helps you understand your baby's development and if your baby is at risk for any genetic disorders. "More frequent ultrasounds can measure the growth of the fetus and also look for birth defects. We’ll check your blood pressure at every prenatal visit, and we'll test you for gestational diabetes too. Early diagnosis plus treatment creates the formula for the best possible outcomes," she writes.

Pregnancy is a sensitive and difficult time for expectant mothers. They must be careful about what they eat and how long they are active. It is also advisable for them to avoid certain medications, unless they have been prescribed by a doctor. As you may know, what the mother consumes will eventually affect the child, so while something that the mother can handle can be fatal to the child as it is at a very vulnerable stage. As such, a few studies have suggested that consuming medications like paracetamol can affect the child’s brain.

A new study published in the BioMed Central suggests that taking paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) during pregnancy might be linked to a higher risk of autism and ADHD in children. This is a significant finding because paracetamol is a very common over-the-counter medicine that many pregnant women take for headaches, pain, or fever.

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai looked at 46 past studies involving more than 100,000 people. They found that the better-quality studies were more likely to show a connection between using paracetamol during pregnancy and a child's risk of developing these disorders.

How Does Paracetamol Affects Pregnancy And The Baby?

The researchers believe there could be a biological reason for this connection. They explain that when a pregnant person takes paracetamol, the medicine can cross from their body to the baby. Once there, it might cause stress to the baby's cells, mess with their hormones, and even change how their genes behave. These changes could interfere with the normal development of the baby's brain.

Since the number of autism and ADHD cases seems to be increasing around the world, these findings are very important. They could change how doctors and health officials think about the use of this common drug during pregnancy.

Should Pregnant Women Take Paracetamol For Pregnancy?

It's important to remember that this study does not prove that paracetamol directly causes autism or ADHD. However, the evidence is strong enough to raise concerns about how much it's being used.

Because of these findings, the study's authors suggest that pregnant women should use paracetamol with caution, for a short period of time, and only under a doctor's guidance. They also say that more research is needed to fully confirm these results and understand the risks.

Is This Accurate For All Children?

While it is ok to be cautious, there are other studies that do not draw the same conclusion. A 2024 study published in the JAMA network found no such link. The study suggested that using paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase a child's risk of developing autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. This finding goes against some previous studies and is important for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. The study, which looked at over 2.4 million children born in Sweden, found that a direct link could not be made when other factors were considered.

What the Sibling Study Showed

When the researchers compared the siblings, they found no evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy was linked to a higher risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

• The risk for autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability was virtually the same in the exposed and unexposed siblings.
• The study found no connection even when mothers took more paracetamol.

This suggests that the slight link found in the initial analysis was likely due to "confounding factors," meaning other family-related reasons—not the medication itself—were responsible for the difference in risk. For example, a mother with a certain condition that requires her to take paracetamol might also have a genetic trait that affects her children.

In short, this new research provides strong evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy is not a direct cause of these neurodevelopmental disorders.