In Print

Autism Genes Tied to Glitches in Early Learning
The genetic basis of autism seems to be as varied as the severity of symptoms, which can range from oddities in social communication to severe mental retardation. A study in the July 11 Science adds a handful of affected genes to the list and finds a common biological link among several of them. The newfound mutations may interfere with the brain’s ability to create the connections normally sculpted by early childhood experience, report Eric Morrow (right), Christopher Walsh, and colleagues.

Upcoming

Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center Annual Symposium

Protein Folding and Neurodegeneration

Monday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

Speakers:
•Martin Citron
•John Collinge
•Christopher Dobson
•Alfred Goldberg
•Christian Haass
• Cynthia Lemere
•Susan Lindquist
•Richard Morimoto
•Ronit Sharon

Science Progress

How discovery happens.

Spotlight

Steve Gilbert

First Dean for Education Named at HMS
In June, Dean Jeffrey Flier appointed Thomas Michel (pictured) the first dean for education at the School. The new position emerged, in part, from the ongoing Strategic Planning Initiative.

Student Scene

Graham Ramsay

A Pitfall of Sharing Care Decisions with Patients
There’s now a greater emphasis for physicians to include the patient’s wishes in the care plan. Totally appropriate, says Joseph Ladapo, but it can be unsettling if the patient disagrees with what the physician thinks is best.

StudenTalk

Personal takes on issues inside and outside the classroom.

Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.