Mark Shen is assistant professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mark Shen
Assistant professor of neuroscience and psychiatry
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Organoid study reveals shared brain pathways across autism-linked variants
The genetic variants initially affect brain development in unique ways, but over time they converge on common molecular pathways.
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The genetic variants initially affect brain development in unique ways, but over time they converge on common molecular pathways.
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19 February 2026 | 4 min read
Single gene sways caregiving circuits, behavior in male mice
Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
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Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
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Natalia Mesa
18 February 2026 | 6 min read
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
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Federica Sgorbissa
18 February 2026 | 4 min read