Learning

Recent articles

Susumu Tonegawa.

In memoriam: Susumu Tonegawa, ‘intellectual giant’

He won the Nobel Prize for his work on immunology and then went on to define the field of learning and memory.

By Claudia López Lloreda
17 July 2026 | 6 min read
Research image showing dopamine level spikes.

Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit

The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.

By Natalia Mesa
5 June 2026 | 5 min read
Research image of locus coeruleus.

Brain’s blue spot possesses unexpected structure-function ties

The spatial arrangement of neurons in the locus coeruleus of mice corresponds with the cells’ targets across the brain, according to a new study.

By Holly Barker
25 May 2026 | 4 min read
Magnifying glass.

Researchers retract multisensory learning paper after failed replications

Even though one set of experiments did not hold up, the authors stand by the original conclusions of the work and plan to resubmit it as a new paper.

By Calli McMurray
31 March 2026 | 4 min read
Illustration of dopamine neurons.

This paper changed my life: Talia Lerner reflects on dopamine neuron diversity and the value of simple experiments

In a 2011 Neuron study, Stephan Lammel and his colleagues showed that dopamine neurons with different projections have different physiological properties. The work inspired Lerner to think about how to challenge widely held assumptions in the field.

By Talia Lerner
11 March 2026 | 6 min read
Research image of brain activity in infants.

Infant visual system categorizes common objects by 2 months of age

Brain activity patterns in the ventral visual cortex appear to distinguish images across 12 categories, including birds and trees, longitudinal functional MRI scans suggest.

By Helena Kudiabor
24 February 2026 | 5 min read
Mouse on a black background.

To persist, memories surf molecular waves from thalamus to cortex

During the later stages of learning, the mouse brain progressively activates transcriptional regulators that drive memory consolidation.

By Claudia López Lloreda
26 November 2025 | 4 min read
Research image of serotonin and dopamine expression in rats.

Sex hormone boosts female rats’ sensitivity to unexpected rewards

During the high-estradiol stages of their estrus cycle, female rats learn faster than they do during other stages—and than male rats overall—thanks to a boost in their dopaminergic response to reward, a new study suggests.

By Angie Voyles Askham
26 November 2025 | 5 min read
Research image of SYNGAP protein in the mouse cortex.

Gene replacement therapy normalizes some traits in SYNGAP1 model mice

The first published virus-based gene therapy for SYNGAP1 deletion yields benefits despite the gene’s long length and complexity.

By Charles Q. Choi
20 November 2025 | 5 min read
Composite of headshots of neuroscience prize winners from 2025.

Top neuroscience prize winners in 2025

The awards recognize lifetime achievements and new discoveries.

By The Transmitter
15 November 2025 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of scientist facing a fractured landscape.

Redefining underrepresentation in global neuroscience

Shifting the focus of equity initiatives from identity categories to structural barriers can reveal overlooked challenges and increase support and participation worldwide.

Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

Separate neuronal pathways mediate social, attentional behaviors

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 July.

By Jill Adams
21 July 2026 | 2 min read

How BCIs reveal the speaking brain

Long-term implants provide an opportunity to study how speech arises in everyday life.

By Claudia López Lloreda, Rebecca Horne
17 July 2026 | 4 min watch