Rahul Rao is a freelance science writer, graduate of New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program, and “Doctor Who” fan.
Rahul Rao
From this contributor
Web app tracks pupil size in people, mice
The app relies on artificial intelligence and could help researchers standardize studies of pupil differences in autistic people and in mouse models of autism.
New library catalogs the human gut microbiome
Researchers put hundreds of gut bacteria strains through their paces to chart the compounds each creates — and to help others explore the flora's potential contribution to autism.
New unified toolbox traces, analyzes neurons
‘SNT’ helps researchers sift through microscope images to reconstruct and analyze neurons and their connections.
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Neurons engage in risky, DNA-breaking business during migration
The cells later repair the damage, which occurs mostly in transcriptionally silent parts of the genome.
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The cells later repair the damage, which occurs mostly in transcriptionally silent parts of the genome.
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Study questions DSM-5’s combining of autism traits
Sensory traits and restricted and repetitive behaviors are best understood as distinct but related characteristics, the new work suggests.
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Sensory traits and restricted and repetitive behaviors are best understood as distinct but related characteristics, the new work suggests.
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Lauren Schenkman
23 July 2026 | 5 min read