David Dobbs writes about science, music, sports, and other forms of culture, and is the author of Reef Madness: Alexander Agassiz, Charles Darwin, and The Meaning of Coral and other books.
David Dobbs
Contributing writer
The Transmitter
From this contributor
Remembering Mark Hallett, leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation
The long-time NINDS researcher, best known for studying movement disorders, has died at age 82.
Remembering Mark Hallett, leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation
By
David Dobbs
25 November 2025 | 7 min read
The new history of autism, part III
For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.
The new history of autism, part II
For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.
The new history of autism, part I
For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.
Rethinking regression in autism
The loss of abilities that besets some toddlers with autism is probably less sudden and more common than anyone thought.
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Additional data suggest changes in diagnostics underlie increases in autism diagnoses, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 14 September.
Additional data suggest changes in diagnostics underlie increases in autism diagnoses, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 14 September.
By
Jill Adams
15 September 2026 | 2 min read
Building brain-computer interfaces at a neurotech company
At Blackrock Neurotech, Spencer Kellis develops implantable devices that help people with brain and spinal cord conditions communicate, move and more.
Building brain-computer interfaces at a neurotech company
At Blackrock Neurotech, Spencer Kellis develops implantable devices that help people with brain and spinal cord conditions communicate, move and more.
By
Katie Moisse
15 September 2026 | 8 min read
‘High risk, high reward’: How early-career neuroscientists view their future
The Transmitter and Neuromatch surveyed more than 300 early-career neuroscientists to better understand their unique challenges, career aspirations and support needs.
‘High risk, high reward’: How early-career neuroscientists view their future
The Transmitter and Neuromatch surveyed more than 300 early-career neuroscientists to better understand their unique challenges, career aspirations and support needs.
By
Paige Miranda
15 September 2026 | 0 min watch