George Musser is an award-winning science writer and editor. He was a senior editor at Scientific American for 15 years and has written two books on fundamental physics, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to String Theory” (2008) and “Spooky Action at a Distance” (2015). He has written for Science, Nature, Quanta, Aeon, Nautilus, The New York Times and other publications. His website is georgemusser.com. He tweets at @gmusser.
George Musser
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
How ‘social touch’ shapes autism traits
Autistic people have unusual responses to 'affective touch,' which conveys social and emotional information. Their responses may reveal how autism begins.
The predictive coding theory of autism, explained
In autism, a person's brain may not form accurate predictions of imminent experiences, or even if it does, sensory input may override those predictions.
How virtual reality is transforming autism studies
Researchers and autistic artists exploring virtual reality to study, treat and simulate autism traits.
How virtual reality is transforming autism studies
How autism may stem from problems with prediction
A 'predictive coding' theory of autism suggests that many of the condition's hallmark traits occur when sensory input overrides expectation in the brain.
How autism may stem from problems with prediction
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Finding the Rett syndrome gene and ways to fix it
Kevin Mitchell talks with Huda Zoghbi about her work identifying the MECP2 gene, its role in the brain and therapies to address its dysfunction.
Finding the Rett syndrome gene and ways to fix it
Kevin Mitchell talks with Huda Zoghbi about her work identifying the MECP2 gene, its role in the brain and therapies to address its dysfunction.
Measuring plastic in the brain: Improving, but incomplete
Meanwhile, researchers are publishing papers without “sufficient quality control,” says analytical chemist Dušan Materić.
Measuring plastic in the brain: Improving, but incomplete
Meanwhile, researchers are publishing papers without “sufficient quality control,” says analytical chemist Dušan Materić.
Incredible shrinking grant deadlines at the BRAIN Initiative
“A month is crazy,” says one former recipient, referring to a new funding opportunity’s timeline.
Incredible shrinking grant deadlines at the BRAIN Initiative
“A month is crazy,” says one former recipient, referring to a new funding opportunity’s timeline.