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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Neuroscientists challenge NIH’s proposed human-data access policy
The changes would restrict the sharing of human neuroimaging, transcriptomic and genetic data.
Neuroscientists challenge NIH’s proposed human-data access policy
The changes would restrict the sharing of human neuroimaging, transcriptomic and genetic data.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
17 March 2026 | 5 min read
David Sussillo on persistence, luck and the bonds between life and work
In a Q&A about his new book, “Emergence,” Sussillo shares why he wrote it and how challenging circumstances shaped his journey into neuroscience.
David Sussillo on persistence, luck and the bonds between life and work
In a Q&A about his new book, “Emergence,” Sussillo shares why he wrote it and how challenging circumstances shaped his journey into neuroscience.
By
Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, David Sussillo
17 March 2026 | 9 min read
Leucovorin, long-read sequencing, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 16 March.
Leucovorin, long-read sequencing, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 16 March.
By
Jill Adams
17 March 2026 | 2 min read