Maris Fessenden is a freelance journalist and illustrator based in Bozeman, Montana. They report and write about scientific methods, genetics, health, wildlife and ecology, and the intersection of science and art.
Maris Fessenden
Contributing writer
Freelance
From this contributor
Lightweight system captures brain activity while mice jump
A thin “micro-tether” and rotating connector facilitate uninterrupted, hours-long neural population recordings as the animals freely explore their environment.
Lightweight system captures brain activity while mice jump
By
Maris Fessenden
26 September 2023 | 3 min read
Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types
An online resource reveals all major cell types in the developing human brain during the period in which autism is thought to arise.
Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types
By
Maris Fessenden
20 September 2019 | 2 min read
New method dramatically scales up mapping of active genes in cells
A new technique enables scientists to isolate, and chart gene expression in, tens of thousands of cells at once.
New method dramatically scales up mapping of active genes in cells
By
Maris Fessenden
23 August 2019 | 2 min read
Online platform offers one-stop shop for studying brain circuits
A browser-based platform simulates functional neuronal circuits in the brain regions of several species.
Online platform offers one-stop shop for studying brain circuits
By
Maris Fessenden
2 August 2019 | 2 min read
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
Two new resources may aid the study of synapses, the junctions between neurons.
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
By
Maris Fessenden
19 July 2019 | 2 min read
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Federal funding cuts imperil next generation of autism researchers
As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting begins, its next president reflects on a brewing crisis.
Federal funding cuts imperil next generation of autism researchers
As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting begins, its next president reflects on a brewing crisis.
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30 April 2025 | 5 min read
Null and Noteworthy: Reanalysis contradicts report of immune memory in astrocytes
The analysis, which has not yet been peer reviewed, attributes the finding to misidentified immune cells instead.
Null and Noteworthy: Reanalysis contradicts report of immune memory in astrocytes
The analysis, which has not yet been peer reviewed, attributes the finding to misidentified immune cells instead.
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Laura Dattaro
30 April 2025 | 5 min read
Documenting decades of autism prevalence; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 28 April.
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Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 28 April.
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Jill Adams
29 April 2025 | 1 min read