Community newsletter

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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

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Open-access neuroscience comes to the classroom: Q&A with Liz Kirby

Neuroscience textbooks can be prohibitively expensive for some undergraduate students. A new open-access alternative seeks to change that.

By Francisco J. Rivera Rosario
13 December 2024 | 6 min read
Black-and-white image of cubes floating out of the bottom half of a human head.

Solving intelligence requires new research and funding models

Our research ecosystem isn't built to deliver the breakthroughs needed to understand intelligence at scale. We need a dedicated research institution to take up the task.

By David A. Markowitz
13 December 2024 | 6 min read
Research image of brain scans.

Impaired molecular ‘chaperone’ accompanies multiple brain changes, conditions

Rare genetic variants in a protein-folding complex contribute to a spectrum of phenotypes that encompass brain malformations, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, according to a new “hallmark” study.

By Holly Barker
12 December 2024 | 5 min read