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Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research
This collection of Spectrum articles from the past 12 months highlights expert perspectives on autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the value of transdiagnostic frameworks, and the field’s future, among other topics.

Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research
This collection of Spectrum articles from the past 12 months highlights expert perspectives on autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the value of transdiagnostic frameworks, and the field’s future, among other topics.
To accelerate the study of neurodevelopment, we need a transdiagnostic framework
Our tendency to focus on one condition at a time likely silos expertise and services—and obscures critical connections across diagnostic categories.

To accelerate the study of neurodevelopment, we need a transdiagnostic framework
Our tendency to focus on one condition at a time likely silos expertise and services—and obscures critical connections across diagnostic categories.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.

Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.

Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.
Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
A clear and actionable definition for the term could enhance research and improve care, Matthew Siegel says.

Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
A clear and actionable definition for the term could enhance research and improve care, Matthew Siegel says.
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.

The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
Year in Review: Spectrum’s best in 2023
Here are five must-reads from our coverage of autism research over the past 12 months.

Year in Review: Spectrum’s best in 2023
Here are five must-reads from our coverage of autism research over the past 12 months.
Head of company that accredits autism service providers resigns after article retraction
The resignation follows reporting by Spectrum and Retraction Watch in October about nonexistent references in the retracted article.

Head of company that accredits autism service providers resigns after article retraction
The resignation follows reporting by Spectrum and Retraction Watch in October about nonexistent references in the retracted article.
Article defending private-equity involvement in autism services retracted
Nearly two-thirds of the article’s references appear to not exist.

Article defending private-equity involvement in autism services retracted
Nearly two-thirds of the article’s references appear to not exist.
Scammers threaten quality of research survey data
Jammed online surveys and invaded video calls are forcing researchers to rethink their outreach methods.

Scammers threaten quality of research survey data
Jammed online surveys and invaded video calls are forcing researchers to rethink their outreach methods.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Gene variants accumulate in older men’s sperm; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 October.

Gene variants accumulate in older men’s sperm; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 October.
This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.

This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.
Whole-brain, bottom-up neuroscience: The time for it is now
Applying new tools to entire brains, starting with C. elegans, offers the opportunity to uncover how molecules work together to generate neural physiology and how neurons work together to generate behavior.

Whole-brain, bottom-up neuroscience: The time for it is now
Applying new tools to entire brains, starting with C. elegans, offers the opportunity to uncover how molecules work together to generate neural physiology and how neurons work together to generate behavior.