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Neural recordings in freely moving mice; MBD5 variant

Researchers took to social media to discuss a new tool for recording brain activity in freely moving mice and a study linking a mutation in the gene MBD5 to epilepsy and intellectual disability. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
10 September 2023 | 4 min read
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Neuropixels probe; sex differences in brain anatomy

Researchers on social media reacted to a new version of the Neuropixels probe and a study of sex differences in the brain. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
3 September 2023 | 5 min read
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Cerebral cortex genetics; calcium imaging of astrocytes

This week on social media, researchers discussed a genome-wide association study of the human cerebral cortex, how astrocytes integrate calcium signals, and more.

By Michael Fergenson
27 August 2023 | 5 min read
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Mitochondria and anxiety; brain structure in autism

Researchers reacted to a study of brain mitochondria and behavior in mice and a study of brain structure differences in autism and other conditions. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
20 August 2023 | 4 min read
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Cognitive mapping; PTEN in peripheral nerves

Researchers took to social media to discuss how cognitive maps form during learning. There was also talk about a study of peripheral nerves in mice missing PTEN, an autism-linked gene. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
13 August 2023 | 4 min read
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NeuroDev retrospective; repetitive behaviors in fragile X mice

A look back at NeuroDev’s first year gathering genomic and phenotypic data in Kenya and South Africa and a study on an underlying cause of repetitive behaviors in fragile X model mice absorbed researchers’ attention on social media this week. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
6 August 2023 | 4 min read
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Sensory traits in fragile X; epidurals and autism

This week on social media, researchers discussed research on sensory issues in fragile X mice, and they considered yet another study of epidurals and autism. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
30 July 2023 | 4 min read
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Stress response in neurons; quantitative bioimaging tutorial

Researchers discussed a study of the integrated stress response in fragile X syndrome and a new how-to guide for quantitative bioimaging — plus more in this week’s Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
23 July 2023 | 4 min read
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‘wildDISCO’ whole-mouse mapping; high-resolution imaging of living brain tissue

A new technique to map the entire body of a mouse and a high-resolution 4D imaging method for living brain tissue samples piqued researchers’ interest on social media this week — that and more in this issue of Community Newsletter.

By Michael Fergenson
16 July 2023 | 4 min read
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Community Newsletter: Neuroimaging study size; fragile X RNA

This week on social media, researchers discussed sample size in neuroimaging studies and the potential of antisense oligonucleotides to restore the protein lost in fragile X syndrome.

By Michael Fergenson
9 July 2023 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Astrocytes sense neuromodulators to orchestrate neuronal activity and shape behavior

Astrocytes serve as crucial mediators of neuromodulatory processes previously attributed to direct communication between neurons, four new studies show.

By Claudia López Lloreda
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Authors correct image errors in Neuron paper that challenged microglia-to-neuron conversion

The issue with the supplementary figures likely does not change the conclusions of the paper, according to an outside expert.

By Shaena Montanari
26 June 2025 | 3 min read

Building a climate neuroscience subfield: Q&A with Angie Michaiel

Michaiel, a program officer at the Kavli Foundation, shares what it took to cultivate research on the relationship between climate change and the nervous system.

By Calli McMurray
26 June 2025 | 5 min read