New discoveries in rats and mice suggest they maintain their memories of each other because of a molecular pathway centered on the “love hormone” oxytocin.

The prize recognizes research showing how neurons outside of the brain controlling touch sensation can shape autism spectrum disorders behaviors.

Early detection of autism in at-risk children can open the door to intensive training by therapists and parents, interventions that can significantly improve adaptive behaviors and skills, according to a trio of multidisciplinary researchers at an AAAS presentation.