Summer reading

Recent articles

A woman stands in front of two books that are open to reveal that they contain doorways from which blue light emanates.

From reductionism to dynamical systems: How two books influenced my thinking across 30 years of neuroscience

Nicole Rust describes her career-changing literary journey of joy, free will and the evolution of a field.

By Nicole Rust
26 August 2024 | 4 min read
Illustration of a brain separated into four panes, each rendered in different colors and with different decorative elements.

How did consciousness evolve? An excerpt from ‘A History of Bodies, Brains, and Minds: The Evolution of Life and Consciousness’

In his new book, to be published in September, neuroscientist Francisco Aboitiz links consciousness back to the earliest days of biological life.

By Francisco Aboitiz
26 August 2024 | 12 min read
Illustration of six different noses smelling in six different abstract landscapes.

Consciously smelling—an edited excerpt from ‘Stinking Philosophy! Smell Perception, Cognition, and Consciousness’

In his new book, published earlier this month, Benjamin Young tackles the debates and central questions surrounding olfactory perception, cognition and consciousness.

By Benjamin Young
26 August 2024 | 12 min read
Illustration of a group of books floating against a light blue and yellow background.

Six new neuroscience books for fall—plus five titles you may have missed

We highlight the most anticipated neuroscience books for the remainder of 2024 and recap notable releases since last December.

By Francisco J. Rivera Rosario
26 August 2024 | 6 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of hand with letter.

Scientists push back against stricter European Research Council grant application rules

In an open letter, scientists call the ERC’s suggestion to block grant reapplications for an additional year “at odds with scientific excellence.”

By Lauren Schenkman
29 April 2026 | 5 min read
California sea hare.

New study questions role of persistent gene activity in memory maintenance

An experiment in sea slugs suggests transcriptional changes might fade after 24 hours.

By Siddhant Pusdekar
28 April 2026 | 4 min read
Visualization of genes and biological processes linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Tracking health in autistic adults, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 April.

By Jill Adams
28 April 2026 | 2 min read