Julien Pacaud
From this contributor
The Transmitter’s favorite essays of 2025
Throughout a tumultuous year in science, researchers opined on policy changes and funding uncertainty, as well as scientific trends and the impact of artificial-intelligence tools on the field.
The Transmitter’s favorite essays of 2025
Fear and loathing on study section: Reviewing grant proposals while the system is burning
As grants are canceled, delayed and subject to general uncertainty, participating in study sections can feel futile. But it’s more important than ever.
Fear and loathing on study section: Reviewing grant proposals while the system is burning
Maiken Nedergaard’s power of disruption
The award-winning researcher’s discoveries have changed the way we think about the brain; that’s exactly what her critics dislike.
Maiken Nedergaard’s power of disruption
Debate remains over changes in DSM-5 a decade on
Changes to the DSM-5’s diagnostic criteria for autism were meant to add clarity, but they also generated new questions.
Debate remains over changes in DSM-5 a decade on
New statistical method may spare lab animals
An online tool could help researchers limit the number of animals needed to power their studies.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Bringing basic biology back to INSAR
As the International Society for Autism Research has grown over the past two decades, basic science has become less central, Christine Wu Nordahl says. This year, she and other meeting organizers aimed to change that.
Bringing basic biology back to INSAR
As the International Society for Autism Research has grown over the past two decades, basic science has become less central, Christine Wu Nordahl says. This year, she and other meeting organizers aimed to change that.
Every neuroscience lab needs an ethicist
The ethics issues that arise in neuroscience research are usually novel, unresolved and understudied. Embedding ethicists in labs helps scientists navigate these challenges and develop strategies in real time to prevent harm.
Every neuroscience lab needs an ethicist
The ethics issues that arise in neuroscience research are usually novel, unresolved and understudied. Embedding ethicists in labs helps scientists navigate these challenges and develop strategies in real time to prevent harm.
Beyond glucose: The brain may feed itself
Myelin may serve as an energy reserve for the brain, according to recent findings, prompting neuroscientists to rethink how the brain stores, shares and protects energy.
Beyond glucose: The brain may feed itself
Myelin may serve as an energy reserve for the brain, according to recent findings, prompting neuroscientists to rethink how the brain stores, shares and protects energy.