Nidhi Subbaraman is a freelance science journalist. Her work has appeared online at places like NBCNews.com, Nature News, Technology Review and Fast Company, among others. You can find her on Twitter: @nidhisubs.
Nidhi Subbaraman
Freelancer Writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Study on ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism draws critics
The controversial theory that characterizes autism as the result of an ‘extreme male brain’ gets fresh support from a large new survey, but critics are skeptical.
Study on ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism draws critics
By
Nidhi Subbaraman
25 August 2014 | 6 min read
Experts balk at large trial of stem cells for autism
A Duke University team has won $15 million to explore stem cells from cord blood as a treatment for autism. But experts caution that the trial is premature.
Experts balk at large trial of stem cells for autism
By
Nidhi Subbaraman
14 July 2014 | 6 min read
Proposal to diagnose autism from home videos draws criticism
Untrained volunteers can reliably detect signs of autism in children by watching home videos of the children posted on YouTube, suggests a study published 16 April in PLoS One. But critics say fundamental design flaws in the study undermine its results.
Proposal to diagnose autism from home videos draws criticism
By
Nidhi Subbaraman
1 May 2014 | 4 min read
Researchers unveil fetal brain map, mouse ‘connectome’
Two new maps of the brain — an atlas of fetal development and a wiring diagram in the mouse — debuted 2 April in Nature. The maps may open new avenues of investigation into the genetic and neurological basis of autism.
Researchers unveil fetal brain map, mouse ‘connectome’
By
Nidhi Subbaraman
17 April 2014 | 5 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Microglia implicated in infantile amnesia
The glial cells could explain the link between maternal immune activation and autism-like behaviors in mice, but methodological challenges prompt questions about the new evidence.
Microglia implicated in infantile amnesia
The glial cells could explain the link between maternal immune activation and autism-like behaviors in mice, but methodological challenges prompt questions about the new evidence.
By
Lauren Schneider
12 February 2026 | 5 min read
Oligodendrocytes need mechanical cues to myelinate axons correctly
Without the mechanosensor TMEM63A, the cells cannot deposit the appropriate amount of insulation, according to a new study.
Oligodendrocytes need mechanical cues to myelinate axons correctly
Without the mechanosensor TMEM63A, the cells cannot deposit the appropriate amount of insulation, according to a new study.
By
Calli McMurray
11 February 2026 | 5 min read
Modern AI is simply no match for the complexity likely required for harboring consciousness, says Jaan Aru
He argues that our brain’s computations are of a completely different nature than any artificial intelligence because they take place across many spatial and temporal scales and are inextricably entwined with biological materials.
Modern AI is simply no match for the complexity likely required for harboring consciousness, says Jaan Aru
He argues that our brain’s computations are of a completely different nature than any artificial intelligence because they take place across many spatial and temporal scales and are inextricably entwined with biological materials.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
11 February 2026 | 1 min read