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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‘Ancient’ brainstem structure evolved beyond basic motor control
The human red nucleus may also help coordinate action, reward and motivated behavior, a new study suggests.

‘Ancient’ brainstem structure evolved beyond basic motor control
The human red nucleus may also help coordinate action, reward and motivated behavior, a new study suggests.
Reporter’s notebook: Highlights from INSAR 2025
The annual meeting brought autism researchers, advocates and clinicians to Seattle to discuss the latest research, including attempts to define subgroups, a potential new CHD8 macaque model and life expectancy gaps.

Reporter’s notebook: Highlights from INSAR 2025
The annual meeting brought autism researchers, advocates and clinicians to Seattle to discuss the latest research, including attempts to define subgroups, a potential new CHD8 macaque model and life expectancy gaps.
NIDA shutters diversity fellowship program, axes active awards
It’s unclear if the cancellation at the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse extends to the fellowships awarded by other institutes within the National Institutes of Health.

NIDA shutters diversity fellowship program, axes active awards
It’s unclear if the cancellation at the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse extends to the fellowships awarded by other institutes within the National Institutes of Health.