Defining cell types
This series explores how new high-throughput technologies are changing the way we define brain-cell types—and the challenges that remain.
Knowledge graphs can help make sense of the flood of cell-type data
These tools, widely used in the technology industry, could provide a foundation for the study of brain circuits.
![-A playful “cellular map” features top-down and bottom-up views of the human brain arranged side-by-side as if they were the earth’s two hemispheres in an old-fashioned map of the world. The brains are colored to suggest land masses and bodies of water.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cell-Taxonomy-1200-1024x692.webp)
Knowledge graphs can help make sense of the flood of cell-type data
These tools, widely used in the technology industry, could provide a foundation for the study of brain circuits.
Where do cell states end and cell types begin?
High-throughput transcriptomics offers powerful new methods for defining different types of brain cells. But we need to think more explicitly about how we use these data to distinguish a cell’s permanent identity from its transient states.
![Illustration of neurons against a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Neurons-1200-1024x692.webp)
Where do cell states end and cell types begin?
High-throughput transcriptomics offers powerful new methods for defining different types of brain cells. But we need to think more explicitly about how we use these data to distinguish a cell’s permanent identity from its transient states.
Building a brain: How does it generate its exquisite diversity of cells?
High-throughput technologies have revealed new insights into how the brain develops. But a truly comprehensive map of neurodevelopment requires further advances.
![An illustration of a gold circle and wavy blue plants.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CellTypes-1200-1024x692.webp)
Building a brain: How does it generate its exquisite diversity of cells?
High-throughput technologies have revealed new insights into how the brain develops. But a truly comprehensive map of neurodevelopment requires further advances.
Welcome to the second single-cell revolution: New high-throughput technologies are transforming how we define neurons
This ongoing essay series will explore questions these technologies raise, as well as opportunities they provide for understanding development, evolution and disease.
![A diagram of many types of cells](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-sanes-lede-define-cell-types-1024x683.webp)
Welcome to the second single-cell revolution: New high-throughput technologies are transforming how we define neurons
This ongoing essay series will explore questions these technologies raise, as well as opportunities they provide for understanding development, evolution and disease.
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![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
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.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
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.
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.