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
Recording warning: Common brain signal may be misunderstood
High gamma activity in electrophysiologic recordings reflects widespread neural activity, not merely local firing, as previously thought.
Recording warning: Common brain signal may be misunderstood
High gamma activity in electrophysiologic recordings reflects widespread neural activity, not merely local firing, as previously thought.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
30 June 2026 | 5 min read
Fructose silences hunger-driving neurons less than glucose does
Two simple sugars show the complexities of gut-brain communication.
Fructose silences hunger-driving neurons less than glucose does
Two simple sugars show the complexities of gut-brain communication.
By
Sarah Thau
30 June 2026 | 3 min read
A new subtyping model for autism phenotypes late in development, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 29 June.
A new subtyping model for autism phenotypes late in development, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 29 June.
By
Sarah Thau
30 June 2026 | 2 min read