2022: The year in review

Recent articles

Large graphic numerals 40 in black on white.

40 under 40

In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 4 min read
A transplanted human organoid labeled with a fluorescent protein in a section of the rat brain.

Hot topics in autism research in 2022

This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 6 min read
Two globe and chat bubble hybrids overlap against a blue background.

Autism researchers’ top tweets in 2022

Social media chatter this past year took up a mysterious gene region, the brain’s physical geometry and other topics related to the advancement of autism science.

By Michael Fergenson
22 December 2022 | 6 min read
Illustration of a brain with geometric figures inside of it.

Top conferences of 2023

Track some of the major autism science meetings next year on our timeline, and tell us which ones you plan to attend.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 2 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of people connecting basic science

Bringing basic biology back to INSAR

As the International Society for Autism Research has grown over the past two decades, basic science has become less central, Christine Wu Nordahl says. This year, she and other meeting organizers aimed to change that.

By Diana Kwon
28 May 2026 | 6 min read
Illustration of scale balancing Petri dish and test tubes

Every neuroscience lab needs an ethicist

The ethics issues that arise in neuroscience research are usually novel, unresolved and understudied. Embedding ethicists in labs helps scientists navigate these challenges and develop strategies in real time to prevent harm.

By Timothy E. Brown
27 May 2026 | 5 min read
Myelin research image.

Beyond glucose: The brain may feed itself

Myelin may serve as an energy reserve for the brain, according to recent findings, prompting neuroscientists to rethink how the brain stores, shares and protects energy.

By Carlos Matute
26 May 2026 | 6 min read