Katie Moisse is contributing editor and former news editor at The Transmitter. She teaches science communication at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She has a Ph.D. in neuropathology from the University of Western Ontario and an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University.
![Headshot of Katie Moisse.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Simons-Foundation-portraits3190_170x170_acf_cropped.jpg)
Katie Moisse
Contributing editor
The Transmitter
From this contributor
Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
A clear and actionable definition for the term could enhance research and improve care, Matthew Siegel says.
![Portrait of Matthew Siegel sitting on a staircase.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1200-lede-siegel-qa-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
RNA drug corrects calcium signaling in chimeric model of Timothy syndrome
The drug, tested in rats that have human neurons, could enter clinical testing as early as next year, researchers say.
![Research image of antisense oligonucleotides.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TimothySyndrome1200-1024x692.webp)
RNA drug corrects calcium signaling in chimeric model of Timothy syndrome
‘Into the wild’: Moving studies of memory and learning out of the lab
People with electrodes embedded deep in their brain are collaborating with a growing posse of plucky researchers to uncover the mysteries of real-world recall.
![Three researchers, one wearing movement-tracking devices, walk around a university campus.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1200-into-the-wild-lede-1024x683.webp)
‘Into the wild’: Moving studies of memory and learning out of the lab
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
![Research image comparing microglia with serotonin receptors to those without.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-demo.png)
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.