Q&A

Molecular biologist Jonathan Mill is probing gene expression’s role in autism in uncharted territory — the fetal human brain.

Researcher Randi Hagerman is a big proponent of metformin — a diabetes drug that she is testing in people with fragile X syndrome. In fact, Hagerman takes the drug herself as a preventive measure against cancer.

Annie Ciernia describes the greenhouse origins of her scientific career and why a unicorn makes a good lab mascot.

Mikle South spends his days teaching classes, studying the relationship between anxiety and autism, and coping with living in a conservative state.

Clinical psychologist Adam Guastella is driven to develop treatments that work for all autistic people — and to throw birthday parties for a few of those people.

Lilia Iakoucheva spends her days running outdoors and solving the molecular complexities of autism, sometimes at the same time.

Eye tracking shows that mavoglurant, a once-abandoned experimental drug for fragile X syndrome, enters the brain and boosts social interest, says Elizabeth Berry-Kravis.

Gabriela Rosenblau relives the joys — and pains — of setting up a new lab.

Katie Carey, who has illustrated several Spectrum articles, reveals her creative process and her strategies for pushing past mental blocks.

Michael Gandal, who studies the genetics of brain conditions, offers unusual advice on team building: Lock everyone up in a room together.