Judith Van de Water is professor of internal medicine at the University of California, Davis and director of the UC Davis Center for Children’s Environmental Health.
Judy Van de Water
Professor
University of California, Davis
From this contributor
What the placenta could reveal about autism
Understanding the interactions between the placenta and the uterine lining could explain how maternal immune activation leads to autism.

What the placenta could reveal about autism
Premature ideas
A New York Times opinion column on 25 August suggested that at least some cases of autism could be considered inflammatory disorders. But this theory is still in its infancy.
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Facial movements telegraph cognition in mice
If you give a mouse a decision, its thought process may show on its face.
Facial movements telegraph cognition in mice
If you give a mouse a decision, its thought process may show on its face.
Tylenol, leucovorin and autism; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 29 September.

Tylenol, leucovorin and autism; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 29 September.
NIH awarded 37 percent fewer neuroscience-related grants in 2025 than in past years
But the agency has spent nearly its entire budget for this fiscal year, which ends tomorrow.

NIH awarded 37 percent fewer neuroscience-related grants in 2025 than in past years
But the agency has spent nearly its entire budget for this fiscal year, which ends tomorrow.