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.
Explore more from The Transmitter
By
Keerthana Iyer, Arish Mudra Rakshasa-Loots, Ana Silva, Violetta Zujovic
21 July 2026
5 min read
Redefining underrepresentation in global neuroscience
Shifting the focus of equity initiatives from identity categories to structural barriers can reveal overlooked challenges and increase support and participation worldwide.
Redefining underrepresentation in global neuroscience
Shifting the focus of equity initiatives from identity categories to structural barriers can reveal overlooked challenges and increase support and participation worldwide.
By
Keerthana Iyer, Arish Mudra Rakshasa-Loots, Ana Silva, Violetta Zujovic
21 July 2026 | 5 min read
Separate neuronal pathways mediate social, attentional behaviors
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 July.
Separate neuronal pathways mediate social, attentional behaviors
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 July.
By
Jill Adams
21 July 2026 | 2 min read
In memoriam: Susumu Tonegawa, ‘intellectual giant’
He won the Nobel Prize for his work on immunology and then went on to define the field of learning and memory.
In memoriam: Susumu Tonegawa, ‘intellectual giant’
He won the Nobel Prize for his work on immunology and then went on to define the field of learning and memory.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
17 July 2026 | 6 min read