Electrophysiology
10 standards for brain electrode-array recordings enhance reproducibility
Electrophysiology findings can vary widely from lab to lab, even among those using identical protocols. New guidelines set forth in a preprint should help.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Neuropixels-1200-1024x692.webp)
10 standards for brain electrode-array recordings enhance reproducibility
Electrophysiology findings can vary widely from lab to lab, even among those using identical protocols. New guidelines set forth in a preprint should help.
Neurons in rat olfactory bulb ‘feel the pulse’
Mechanical receptors can detect intracranial pressure changes caused by blood flow, which enables neurons to synchronize with the heartbeat.
![Research image of neurons in the rat olfactory bulb.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Neuron-olfactory-811-1024x692.webp)
Neurons in rat olfactory bulb ‘feel the pulse’
Mechanical receptors can detect intracranial pressure changes caused by blood flow, which enables neurons to synchronize with the heartbeat.
Individual neurons tune to complex speech sounds and cues
Neuropixels arrays implanted in people reveal nuances of speech perception and production that confirm results from brain-surface recordings and can even predict what someone is about to say.
![Human head drawn in profile, brain area is red and connected to words spelled out in connected lines with nodes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Speech-sound-neurons-1200-1024x692.webp)
Individual neurons tune to complex speech sounds and cues
Neuropixels arrays implanted in people reveal nuances of speech perception and production that confirm results from brain-surface recordings and can even predict what someone is about to say.
The legacy of William Catterall, ‘father of ion channels’
Catterall, who characterized the structure, function and regulation of sodium and calcium channels crucial for neuronal excitability, died last month at the age of 77.
![Black-and-white photograph of William Catterall in a lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-catterall-william-obituary-1024x683.webp)
The legacy of William Catterall, ‘father of ion channels’
Catterall, who characterized the structure, function and regulation of sodium and calcium channels crucial for neuronal excitability, died last month at the age of 77.
Monkey studies throw wrench into decade-old idea about movement’s effect on visual cortex
Movements that boost activity in the visual cortex of mice have the opposite or no effect in marmosets and macaques, prompting questions about whether mice are a suitable model for the primate visual system.
![Illustration of a yellow brain and a pink brain](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-cortical-states-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x683.webp)
Monkey studies throw wrench into decade-old idea about movement’s effect on visual cortex
Movements that boost activity in the visual cortex of mice have the opposite or no effect in marmosets and macaques, prompting questions about whether mice are a suitable model for the primate visual system.
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
The protein products of ANK2 and SCN2A interact to regulate dendritic excitability.
![A research image of neuronal dendrites in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-spectrum-autism-transmitter-neuroscience-gene-convergence-Scn2a-Ank2-1024x683.webp)
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
The protein products of ANK2 and SCN2A interact to regulate dendritic excitability.
Noisy brain may underlie some of autism’s sensory features
Random fluctuations in neuronal activity are more variable in a fragile X mouse model than in wildtype mice.
![Two hands hold a mouse.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-spectrum-autism-neuroscience-transmitter-endogenous-noise-mice-neurons-1024x683.webp)
Noisy brain may underlie some of autism’s sensory features
Random fluctuations in neuronal activity are more variable in a fragile X mouse model than in wildtype mice.
From a scientist’s perspective: The Transmitter’s top five essays in 2023
From big-picture debates about theories and terms to practical tips for teaching and writing, our favorite expert-written articles offer a glimpse into what neuroscientists are thinking.
![A hand points to an illustration on a chalkboard.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1200-transmitter-how-to-teach-paper-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
From a scientist’s perspective: The Transmitter’s top five essays in 2023
From big-picture debates about theories and terms to practical tips for teaching and writing, our favorite expert-written articles offer a glimpse into what neuroscientists are thinking.
Why (and how) we need to professionalize neuroscience
Moving away from the field’s do-it-yourself ethos and embracing professional technical expertise will make research more efficient.
![An illustration of a man assembling a piece of furniture](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200-voigts-professionalize-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x683.webp)
Why (and how) we need to professionalize neuroscience
Moving away from the field’s do-it-yourself ethos and embracing professional technical expertise will make research more efficient.
New specs immerse mice in virtual worlds
The tool — called “MouseGoggles” — could provide rodents with an improved virtual experience in the lab, at a lower cost than current techniques.
New specs immerse mice in virtual worlds
The tool — called “MouseGoggles” — could provide rodents with an improved virtual experience in the lab, at a lower cost than current techniques.
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
![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.