Sarkis Mazmanian
Professor of microbiology
California Institute of Technology
From this contributor
Remembering Paul Patterson (1944-2014)
Paul H. Patterson, a transformative figure in autism research, died on 25 June. His groundbreaking discoveries advanced novel paradigms in neuroscience and immunology, and introduced concepts that will continue to be developed by researchers worldwide.
The case for using ‘prebiotics’
Prebiotics — nutrients that promote the growth of some beneficial gut bacteria — can influence brain chemistry and behavior. New findings suggest prebiotics as treatments for people with neurological disorders, say Sarkis Mazmanian and Gil Sharon.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Dosage of X or Y chromosome relates to distinct outcomes; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 23 June.

Dosage of X or Y chromosome relates to distinct outcomes; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 23 June.
Expanded view of hippocampal function comes into focus
After decades of debate, the region’s role is being rewritten. Rather than using sensory input to simply log key points in time and space, the hippocampus may serve to contextualize our experiences and memories—and ultimately make predictions about the future.
Expanded view of hippocampal function comes into focus
After decades of debate, the region’s role is being rewritten. Rather than using sensory input to simply log key points in time and space, the hippocampus may serve to contextualize our experiences and memories—and ultimately make predictions about the future.
Many students want to learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly. But their professors are struggling to meet that need.
Effectively teaching students how to employ AI in their writing assignments requires clear guidelines—and detailed, case-specific examples.

Many students want to learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly. But their professors are struggling to meet that need.
Effectively teaching students how to employ AI in their writing assignments requires clear guidelines—and detailed, case-specific examples.