Williams syndrome

Recent articles

Researcher talking on phone and working on computer at home.

Autism researchers adapt studies for a socially distant world

Locked out of labs during the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are moving their investigations to virtual and online formats, a shift that may bring lasting changes to autism research.

By Laura Dattaro
30 April 2020 | 6 min read
Mother mouse with pups on white

Multiple genes may conspire to lead to autism traits

The many genes implicated in Williams syndrome, a condition related to autism, may all work together to exert their effects on behavior.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
23 December 2019 | 4 min read

Unusual gait marks mice with mutations related to autism

Mouse models of two genetic conditions related to autism show abnormalities in their movement patterns.

By Emily Anthes
20 October 2019 | 3 min read

Book Review: A mother finds reward in risk

In “The Boy Who Loved Too Much,” a woman tries to cocoon her son, who has Williams syndrome, from life’s insults but later realizes her protective instincts carry dangers of their own.

By Emily Willingham
30 October 2018 | 5 min read
child working on colorful puzzle on lightbox

Duplication of DNA on chromosome 7 increases risk of autism

Roughly one in five children who has an extra piece of chromosome 7 also meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

By Jessica Wright
1 February 2018 | 4 min read

Edited human embryos; prenatal antidepressants; gut thinking and more

Researchers in Oregon edit human embryos, prenatal antidepressants may play a role in autism risk, and gut microbiota are associated with early cognition.

By Emily Willingham
28 July 2017 | 5 min read

Injury risk; stem-cell start; food faces

People with autism are at high risk of death from injury, China starts a clinical trial involving human embryonic stem cells, and individuals with autism have trouble seeing faces in food.

By Emily Willingham
9 June 2017 | 7 min read

Tooth fairy delivers drug target for boosting social interest

Cells derived from the dental pulp of children with Williams syndrome hint at a treatment approach for autism.

By Ann Griswold
16 September 2016 | 4 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Brexit effect; ghost game; down with jargon

Scientists fret over ‘Brexit,’ a video game boosts cognitive skills in children, and studies detail the downsides of jargon.

By Emily Anthes
1 July 2016 | 4 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

An overdue query in autism science: What, exactly, is autism?

As powerful genetic tools identify increasing numbers of autism genes, scientists are parsing the pool of autism into new syndromes, each with a distinct genetic origin.

By Jessica Wright
30 November 2015 | 7 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Cara Pugliese.

Autism program chief among National Institutes of Health layoffs

The termination is one of more than 1,000 employee cuts at the U.S. agency this week.

By Rachel Zamzow
21 February 2025 | 3 min read
Illustration of columns of text with eyes peeking out from behind the central column to look at a bright blue spot.

This paper changed my Life: Bill Newsome reflects on a quadrilogy of classic visual perception studies

The 1970s papers from Goldberg and Wurtz made ambitious mechanistic studies of higher brain functions seem feasible.

By Bill Newsome
21 February 2025 | 6 min read
Interconnected lines form a world map.

Science must step away from nationally managed infrastructure

Scientific data and independence are at risk. We need to work with community-driven services and university libraries to create new multi-country organizations that are resilient to political interference.

By Dan Goodman
20 February 2025 | 7 min read