A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains

There’s no solid evidence that thimerosal harms children. It was removed from almost all vaccines more than 20 years ago out of an abundance of caution, but RFK Jr.’s hand-picked vaccine advisory committee is looking into it.

Terri Levien, Professor of Pharmacy, Washington State University • conversation
June 25, 2025 • ~8 min

Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters

About 4% of dogs and 12% of cats remain unvaccinated against rabies, posing risks for society.

Simon F. Haeder, Associate Professor of Public Health, Texas A&M University • conversation
Jan. 14, 2025 • ~7 min

Gut microbe imbalances could predict a child’s risk for autism, ADHD and speech disorders years before symptoms appear

Imbalances in different species of bacteria in a baby’s gut may provide insights into their neurodevelopment.

Johnny Ludvigsson, Professor Emeritus of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University • conversation
Oct. 2, 2024 • ~12 min

Gus Walz’s unbridled emotion on the DNC stage opens the door to more understanding of neurodiversity

The best way to learn about neurodivergence is by listening to neurodivergent people themselves.

Sneha Kohli Mathur, Faculty Member of Psychology, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 30, 2024 • ~9 min

Do we have more empathy for people who are similar to us? New research suggests it’s not that simple

People who spend time with those who are different often get better at empathy.

Punit Shah, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Bath • conversation
June 3, 2024 • ~8 min

Getting a good night’s rest is vital for neurodiverse children – pediatric sleep experts explain why

Sleep habits can be improved by making shifts in both daytime and evening routines.

Terry Katz, Senior Instructor of Pediatrics and Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
April 19, 2024 • ~10 min

Health misinformation is rampant on social media – here's what it does, why it spreads and what people can do about it

Studies show that health misinformation on social media has led to fewer people getting vaccinated and more lives lost to COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.

Monica Wang, Associate Professor of Public Health, Boston University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2023 • ~11 min

Greta Thunberg is far from the only neurodivergent climate activist – many who see the world differently also want to change it

Activists with autism, bipolar disorder and other conditions spoke about finding purpose in environmental activism.

Louise Taylor, Early Career Researcher and Ecotherapist, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
Oct. 23, 2023 • ~7 min

Elon Musk: how being autistic may make him think differently

Musk’s autistic traits and history of being bullied might help explain why he appears combative on social media

Lucy Anne Livingston, Lecturer in Psychology, King's College London • conversation
Nov. 14, 2022 • ~7 min

Wearable technology can change autistic people’s lives – if they’re involved in designing it

Technology has so much potential to help autistic people but developers are missing the mark.

Naeem Ramzan, Professor of Computing Engineering, University of the West of Scotland • conversation
Aug. 5, 2022 • ~7 min

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