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
Ehud Ahissar offers a new kind of dualism for neuroscience
He explains how “perceptual dualism” can account for the way we communicate via digital symbols and perceive the world via analog brain processes.
Ehud Ahissar offers a new kind of dualism for neuroscience
He explains how “perceptual dualism” can account for the way we communicate via digital symbols and perceive the world via analog brain processes.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
6 May 2026 | 102 min listen
Microglia in hypothalamus help kick-start puberty
In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Microglia in hypothalamus help kick-start puberty
In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
By
Helena Kudiabor
6 May 2026 | 0 min watch
Advances in genetic medicine took center stage at INSAR
The president of the Autism Science Foundation and parent of a child with profound autism reflects on how advances in the treatment of rare gene variants bring hope to many families.
Advances in genetic medicine took center stage at INSAR
The president of the Autism Science Foundation and parent of a child with profound autism reflects on how advances in the treatment of rare gene variants bring hope to many families.
By
Alison Singer
5 May 2026 | 4 min read