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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Cortical area remixes macaques’ knowledge blocks to solve new problems
When monkeys draw complex shapes, their neural activity reflects patterns of activation elicited by drawing simpler, component shapes.
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When monkeys draw complex shapes, their neural activity reflects patterns of activation elicited by drawing simpler, component shapes.
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Getting grants feels good, but giving them is even better
As director of grants management at the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Kaela Singleton bets on bold science and shares in the joy of discovery.
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As director of grants management at the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Kaela Singleton bets on bold science and shares in the joy of discovery.
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Katie Moisse
19 June 2026 | 8 min read