Jacob Brogan is a journalist covering technology, medicine and culture. He holds a PhD in English Literature from Cornell University and lives in Washington, D.C.
Jacob Brogan
From this contributor
Spectrum Stories: Autism, in a manner of speaking
In this episode of “Spectrum Stories,” host Jacob Brogan explains how speech — from its rhythm to its emotional content — can differ in people with autism, making social communication difficult.
Spectrum Stories: Autism, in a manner of speaking
By
Jacob Brogan
19 April 2018 | 1 min read
Spectrum Stories: Talking about autism mouse models
Scientists discuss the problems with using mice to study autism, and explain how the field might move forward.
Spectrum Stories: Talking about autism mouse models
By
Jacob Brogan
21 March 2018 | 1 min read
Spectrum Stories: Camouflaging autism traits
In this episode, host Jacob Brogan explores how and why some women try to hide their autism. There are benefits to keeping the condition concealed, but this camouflaging comes with psychological costs.
Spectrum Stories: Shifting cultural views about autism abroad
In this episode, host Jacob Brogan talks to autism researchers and families with children on the spectrum in France and Ethiopia. However different the two countries may be, advocates in both places are working to overturn outdated beliefs about autism that blame parents and block access to evidence-backed services and treatment.
Spectrum Stories: Shifting cultural views about autism abroad
By
Jacob Brogan
30 January 2018 | 1 min read
Spectrum Stories: Where autism meets sleeplessness
Scientists are trying to understand why people with autism so often have trouble sleeping, and how to help them.
Spectrum Stories: Where autism meets sleeplessness
By
Jacob Brogan
13 November 2017 | 1 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
The visual system’s lingering mystery: Connecting neural activity and perception
Figuring out how the brain uses information from visual neurons may require new tools. I asked 10 neuroscientists what experimental and conceptual methods they think we’re missing.
The visual system’s lingering mystery: Connecting neural activity and perception
Figuring out how the brain uses information from visual neurons may require new tools. I asked 10 neuroscientists what experimental and conceptual methods they think we’re missing.
By
Grace Lindsay
13 October 2025 | 5 min read
New questions around motor neurons and plasticity
A researcher’s theory hangs muscle degeneration on a broken neural circuit.
New questions around motor neurons and plasticity
A researcher’s theory hangs muscle degeneration on a broken neural circuit.
By
David Adam
10 October 2025 | 11 min listen
Boosting SCN2A expression reduces seizures in mice
A modified form of CRISPR amps up expression of the gene—a strategy that could apply to other gene variations linked to autism.
Boosting SCN2A expression reduces seizures in mice
A modified form of CRISPR amps up expression of the gene—a strategy that could apply to other gene variations linked to autism.
By
Charles Q. Choi
9 October 2025 | 5 min read