Alysson Muotri is professor of pediatrics and of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of California, San Diego. He also co-directs the Stem Cell Program at the university’s Moores Cancer Center.

Alysson Muotri
Associate professor
University of California, San Diego
From this contributor
With tweaks, brains in a dish may yield clear clues to autism
‘Mini-brains’ created in a dish may reveal autism’s roots and point to treatments, but they do not yet mirror some critical features of a human brain.

With tweaks, brains in a dish may yield clear clues to autism
Questions for Alysson Muotri: Applying autism tools to Zika
Mini-brains grown from stem cells in culture can reveal the effects of both autism and the Zika virus on early development.

Questions for Alysson Muotri: Applying autism tools to Zika
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Gene variants accumulate in older men’s sperm; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 October.

Gene variants accumulate in older men’s sperm; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 October.
This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.

This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.
Whole-brain, bottom-up neuroscience: The time for it is now
Applying new tools to entire brains, starting with C. elegans, offers the opportunity to uncover how molecules work together to generate neural physiology and how neurons work together to generate behavior.

Whole-brain, bottom-up neuroscience: The time for it is now
Applying new tools to entire brains, starting with C. elegans, offers the opportunity to uncover how molecules work together to generate neural physiology and how neurons work together to generate behavior.