Craft and careers

Inspiring stories and practical advice for neuroscientists

Photograph of a pink pencil standing out from a row of blue pencils.
Publishing Microphone

Women are systematically under-cited in neuroscience. New tools can change that.

An omitted citation in a high-profile paper led us to examine our own practices and to help others adopt tools that promote citation diversity.

By Anne Churchland, Felicia Davatolhagh
22 July 2024 | 5 min listen
Illustration of a scientist attempting to wrangle many forms of data at once: a pile of charts and graphs threatens to knock them off of their feet as they attempt to prop it up.

Neuroscience graduate students deserve comprehensive data-literacy education

Despite growing requirements around how to handle and share data, formal training is lacking.

By Letisha R. Wyatt
15 July 2024 | 6 min read
Image of neural activity in a mouse as seen through the Miniscope.

Designing an open-source microscope

Funding for the development of open-source tools is on the rise, but support for their maintenance and dissemination, both crucial for their meaningful uptake, remains a major challenge.

By Daniel Aharoni
17 June 2024 | 6 min read
Photograph of Kaitlyn Casimo posing with a skull.

The Transmitter Launch: Q&A with Kaitlyn Casimo

A self-proclaimed “neuroscientist, engagement manager and theater nerd,” Casimo taps her broad training to engage the public and deliver “elevator pitch” workshops for Allen Institute scientists.

By Alaina G. Levine
7 June 2024 | 5 min read
A photograph of researcher Aya Osman

Striking a pose with Aya Osman

The neuroscientist and part-time fashion model opens up about the people who inspire her; her interest in science communication; and how she once ended up on a stage with Channing Tatum.

By Angie Voyles Askham
31 May 2024 | 7 min read
Illustration of a nametag with many names on it.
Publishing Microphone

At the credit crossroads: Modern neuroscience needs a cultural shift to adopt new authorship practices

Old heuristics to acknowledge contributors—calling out first and last authors, with everyone else in between—don’t work well for large collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, yet they remain the default.

By Megan Peters
20 May 2024 | 9 min listen
A hand holds a compass against a light orange background.

The Transmitter Launch: Industry internships, ‘Next Generation Leaders,’ and more

Working at a biotechnology or artificial-intelligence company is no longer an “alternative career” for researchers with a doctorate in neuroscience—plus jobs, training and funding updates for May.

By Elissa Welle
10 May 2024 | 4 min read
Photograph of objects delicately balanced to keep a plank of wood level as it sits on a cylindrical block.

How to explore your scientific values and develop a vision for your field

As a new professor, I was caught off guard by one part of the job: my role as an evaluator.

By Grace Lindsay
3 May 2024 | 5 min listen

The Transmitter Launch: Networking in neuroscience—five ways to find people

These tips spell out how to reach new people for conversation and collaboration.

By Alaina G. Levine
12 April 2024 | 6 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a sheet of paper emanating from a computer screen.

Boost your writing with AI personas

Asking ChatGPT to review your own grant proposals can help you spot weaknesses.

By Tim Requarth
5 April 2024 | 10 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.

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.

By Laura Dattaro
26 July 2024 | 7 min read
Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.

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.

By Cathleen O’Grady
25 July 2024 | 8 min read

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.

By Angie Voyles Askham
24 July 2024 | 6 min read