Category: Research

New research reinforces the link between a cellular quality control system and rare forms of autism

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Just like a car factory relies on inspectors to ensure that every vehicle is built correctly, cells depend on internal quality control systems to keep proteins functioning as they should. New research from Waisman Center investigator Luigi Puglielli, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reveals that disruptions in one such system—the endoplasmic reticulum’s acetylation pathway—can lead to rare forms of autism and progeria, offering fresh insights into the cellular roots of these complex conditions.

Lily Wagner on researching, diagnosing and treating autism

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Waisman Center Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic Director Lily Wagner considers the Trump administration’s warnings about acetaminophen and approval of leucovorin as a treatment for autism. By Frederica Freyberg | Here & Now September 26, 2025 In other medical news, the Waisman Center on the UW–Madison campus is a leader in research and care of …

Wisconsin researcher responds to White House autism announcement

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Since that press conference on Monday afternoon, numerous medical organizations have pushed back, saying acetaminophen is safe for pregnant women to use

Undergraduate student research experience is an integral part of the Zhao lab

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By Anoushka Kar The Zhao lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is an exciting and dedicated research entity in neuroscience which focuses on brain development and developmental disorders. It offers opportunities to students of any age at the University and even provides a gateway to research for students in high school with or without prior …

Supporting individual strengths and needs: New study finds that parenting beliefs are a more effective indicator of strong early language skills in children than socioeconomic status

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Research has shown that children with strong early language skills are less likely to have long-term adverse academic, social, and health outcomes.

Rethinking fraction instruction: New study shows young children’s brains are wired to understand ratios – and it could change the way fractions are taught.

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Even before formal schooling, children's brains can grasp ratios as holistic magnitudes—suggesting they’re naturally wired to understand foundational fraction concepts like comparing amounts.

Clinical psychologist explains how ADHD drugs work, addresses unscientific harm concerns

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“The evidence is quite clear that the medications that are currently FDA-approved and prescribed to treat ADHD in particular are fairly well tolerated.

Health trajectory of mothers of children with developmental disabilities shows a ‘wear-and-tear’ effect starting around age 65

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Mothers of children with developmental disabilities experience long-term stress, adapting for many years but showing signs of ‘wear-and-tear’ starting around age 65, affecting their physical and mental health.

Genetic blueprint behind early brain development uncovered by team of Waisman investigators

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Early neuronal maturation is not well understood. A new study at Waisman was able to map the gene and regulatory networks driving early neuronal maturation for the first time.

Kay Emerson and Harry Waisman, two pioneers in PKU

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Kay Emerson was the first person in Wisconsin and one of the first in the United States to be successfully treated for phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition in which the body fails to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, causing a buildup.