Synapses
Recent articles
How developing neurons simplify their search for a synaptic mate
Streamlining the problem from 3D to 1D eases the expedition—a strategy the study investigators deployed to rewire an olfactory circuit in flies.

How developing neurons simplify their search for a synaptic mate
Streamlining the problem from 3D to 1D eases the expedition—a strategy the study investigators deployed to rewire an olfactory circuit in flies.
Connectomics 2.0: Simulating the brain
With a complete fly connectome in hand, researchers are taking the next step to model how brain circuits fuel function.

Connectomics 2.0: Simulating the brain
With a complete fly connectome in hand, researchers are taking the next step to model how brain circuits fuel function.
Inhibitory cells work in concert to orchestrate neuronal activity in mouse brain
A cubic millimeter of brain tissue, meticulously sectioned, stained and scrutinized over the past seven years, reveals in stunning detail the role of inhibitory interneurons in brain structure and function.

Inhibitory cells work in concert to orchestrate neuronal activity in mouse brain
A cubic millimeter of brain tissue, meticulously sectioned, stained and scrutinized over the past seven years, reveals in stunning detail the role of inhibitory interneurons in brain structure and function.
Many autism-linked proteins influence hair-like cilia on human brain cells
The finding may help explain autism’s association with multiple co-occurring conditions that involve cilia defects.

Many autism-linked proteins influence hair-like cilia on human brain cells
The finding may help explain autism’s association with multiple co-occurring conditions that involve cilia defects.
START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.

START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.
Microglia’s pruning function called into question
Scientists are divided over the extent to which the cells sculpt circuits during development.

Microglia’s pruning function called into question
Scientists are divided over the extent to which the cells sculpt circuits during development.
What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.

What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.
Synaptic anomalies in autistic people support imbalance hypothesis
Increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory synapses in the prefrontal cortex of autistic people suggest broader impacts on brain function and connectivity.

Synaptic anomalies in autistic people support imbalance hypothesis
Increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory synapses in the prefrontal cortex of autistic people suggest broader impacts on brain function and connectivity.
Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.

Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.
CRISPR gives autism-linked genes a boost, rescues functioning
A modified form of the gene-editing tool increases the expression of CHD8 and SCN2A, showing potential for autism therapies.

CRISPR gives autism-linked genes a boost, rescues functioning
A modified form of the gene-editing tool increases the expression of CHD8 and SCN2A, showing potential for autism therapies.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Rise in autism prevalence but not traits; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 7 July.

Rise in autism prevalence but not traits; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 7 July.
Drosophila, like vertebrates, filter sensory information during sleep
Predictive sensory processing in sleeping Drosophila echoes vertebrate research, establishing an evolutionarily conserved neural signature of sleep.

Drosophila, like vertebrates, filter sensory information during sleep
Predictive sensory processing in sleeping Drosophila echoes vertebrate research, establishing an evolutionarily conserved neural signature of sleep.
Neuroscience’s open-data revolution is just getting started
Data reuse represents an opportunity to accelerate the pace of science, reduce costs and increase the value of our collective research investments. New tools that make open data easier to use—and new pressures, including funding cuts—may increase uptake.

Neuroscience’s open-data revolution is just getting started
Data reuse represents an opportunity to accelerate the pace of science, reduce costs and increase the value of our collective research investments. New tools that make open data easier to use—and new pressures, including funding cuts—may increase uptake.