Metabolism
Recent articles
Mitochondrial ‘landscape’ shifts across human brain
Evolutionarily newer regions sport mitochondria with a higher capacity for energy production than older regions, according to the first detailed map of the organelles in a tissue slice, adding to mounting evidence that the brain features a metabolic gradient.
Mitochondrial ‘landscape’ shifts across human brain
Evolutionarily newer regions sport mitochondria with a higher capacity for energy production than older regions, according to the first detailed map of the organelles in a tissue slice, adding to mounting evidence that the brain features a metabolic gradient.
Food for thought: Neuronal fuel source more flexible than previously recognized
The cells primarily rely on glucose—rather than lactate from astrocytes—to generate energy, according to recent findings in mice.
Food for thought: Neuronal fuel source more flexible than previously recognized
The cells primarily rely on glucose—rather than lactate from astrocytes—to generate energy, according to recent findings in mice.
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
Rare autism-linked mutation starves growing neurons of essential nutrients
The mutation prevents certain amino acids from entering neurons, causing the cells to die early in development.
Rare autism-linked mutation starves growing neurons of essential nutrients
The mutation prevents certain amino acids from entering neurons, causing the cells to die early in development.
Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition
Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.
Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition
Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.
Experimental drug shows promise for autism-linked syndromes
The drug quells seizures in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Experimental drug shows promise for autism-linked syndromes
The drug quells seizures in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Meet the company trying precision medicine for autism
Swiss biotech Stalicla hopes to bring precision medicine to autism. Experts praise efforts to identify autism subgroups, but evidence to support the company’s claims has yet to be seen.
Meet the company trying precision medicine for autism
Swiss biotech Stalicla hopes to bring precision medicine to autism. Experts praise efforts to identify autism subgroups, but evidence to support the company’s claims has yet to be seen.
Altering metabolic pathway spurs neuronal, behavioral changes in mice
Overexpressing genes involved in the pathway, which regulates protein quality, changes repetitive behaviors in the animals.
Altering metabolic pathway spurs neuronal, behavioral changes in mice
Overexpressing genes involved in the pathway, which regulates protein quality, changes repetitive behaviors in the animals.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Emotion research has a communication conundrum
In 2025, the words we use to describe emotions matter, but their definitions are controversial. Here, I unpack the different positions in this space and the rationales behind them—and I invite 13 experts to chime in.
Emotion research has a communication conundrum
In 2025, the words we use to describe emotions matter, but their definitions are controversial. Here, I unpack the different positions in this space and the rationales behind them—and I invite 13 experts to chime in.
Autism-linked copy number variants always boost autism likelihood
By contrast, varied doses of the same genes decrease or increase the odds of five other conditions, with distinct biological consequences, two new preprints show.
Autism-linked copy number variants always boost autism likelihood
By contrast, varied doses of the same genes decrease or increase the odds of five other conditions, with distinct biological consequences, two new preprints show.
Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain
The findings, gleaned from the most comprehensive map yet of brain activity during decision-making in mice, show that the process is even more distributed than previously thought.
Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain
The findings, gleaned from the most comprehensive map yet of brain activity during decision-making in mice, show that the process is even more distributed than previously thought.