PMDSF 2012

Recent articles

Spectrum from The Transmitter.

In Phelan-McDermid, motor neurons show irregularities

Motor neurons derived from individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a rare autism-related disorder, form abnormal connections with muscle cells. The unpublished research was presented 26 July at a meeting of the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation in Orlando.

By Virginia Hughes
30 July 2012 | 2 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Scientists track adult regression in autism-related syndrome

Several scientists at the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation's annual meeting focused on the wide range of symptoms, including a sudden loss of motor and cognitive skills, that seem to crop up in adults with the disorder.

By Virginia Hughes
26 July 2012 | 5 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Stock photo of a group of neurons.

Finding neuroheterogeneity’s sweet spot

Once thought to be detrimental to memory processing, neuronal diversity—at the right ‘Goldilocks’ dose—is a new boon to theoretical neuroscience.

By Natalia Mesa
20 October 2026 | 7 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

COVID-19 and influenza effects in pregnancy; and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 19 October.

By Jill Adams
20 October 2026 | 2 min read
Illustration of a person standing in a crumbling room with papers and strings on the wall, a fallen chair, and a lamp.

What to do when traditional mechanistic approaches no longer work

Many complex behaviors have stubbornly resisted mechanistic explanations. Deciphering them will require new approaches—and perhaps a new concept of “understanding.”

By Bence Ölveczky
19 October 2026 | 8 min read