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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When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 2: “You need to go to college”
With just a high school equivalency degree and struggling as a single mother, Tempest McDonald is forced to shift her priorities.
When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 2: “You need to go to college”
With just a high school equivalency degree and struggling as a single mother, Tempest McDonald is forced to shift her priorities.
By
Brady Huggett
11 June 2026 | 28 min listen
Noncoding RNA sways core autism traits in mice
Small deletions in an X-linked RNA alter social and repetitive behaviors in male mice without broadly affecting learning or memory.
Noncoding RNA sways core autism traits in mice
Small deletions in an X-linked RNA alter social and repetitive behaviors in male mice without broadly affecting learning or memory.
By
Giorgia Guglielmi
11 June 2026 | 4 min read
Four protein synthesis pioneers win Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
Their research revealed how neurons synthesize proteins in previously unrecognized places.
Four protein synthesis pioneers win Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
Their research revealed how neurons synthesize proteins in previously unrecognized places.
By
Alissa de Chassey
10 June 2026 | 4 min read