Epilepsy
Tail of hippocampus may be hub for seizures in mice and people
This little-studied subregion, called the fasciola cinereum, could be a new surgical target for people with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
![Research image of neurons in a small section of the hippocampus.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Soltesz-FigCD-1200-1024x692.webp)
Tail of hippocampus may be hub for seizures in mice and people
This little-studied subregion, called the fasciola cinereum, could be a new surgical target for people with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
On a bold mission to re-engineer brain parts
A European consortium is on a quest to restore typical brain activity in people with epilepsy, using a mash-up of custom organoids, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
![Top down view of a slice of a rat brain connected to an output camera.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/811-1120-1024x692.jpg)
On a bold mission to re-engineer brain parts
A European consortium is on a quest to restore typical brain activity in people with epilepsy, using a mash-up of custom organoids, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Susan-Masino-1200-1024x692.webp)
Into the woods with Susan Masino
When she isn't researching the links between metabolism and brain activity, this neuroscientist logs time in forests and advocates for protecting green spaces.
Cortical interneurons derive differently in human brains
Excitatory neurons and some inhibitory neurons in the adult human cortex share parents, challenging the longstanding idea that the two cell types have different origins.
![Illustration of two neurons with a shared origin point.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/neurons-origins-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cortical interneurons derive differently in human brains
Excitatory neurons and some inhibitory neurons in the adult human cortex share parents, challenging the longstanding idea that the two cell types have different origins.
‘Into the wild’: Moving studies of memory and learning out of the lab
People with electrodes embedded deep in their brain are collaborating with a growing posse of plucky researchers to uncover the mysteries of real-world recall.
![Three researchers, one wearing movement-tracking devices, walk around a university campus.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1200-into-the-wild-lede-1024x683.webp)
‘Into the wild’: Moving studies of memory and learning out of the lab
People with electrodes embedded deep in their brain are collaborating with a growing posse of plucky researchers to uncover the mysteries of real-world recall.
New template streamlines sharing clinical trial results
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter explores a new tool for communicating with clinical trial participants and their families, among other drug development news.
![Illustration of a sheet of red and white pills, with the red pills arranged in the form of a question mark.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/844-going-on-trial-autism-drugs-02.jpg)
New template streamlines sharing clinical trial results
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter explores a new tool for communicating with clinical trial participants and their families, among other drug development news.
Uncertainty and excitement surround one company’s cell therapy for epilepsy
After 10 years of work, Neurona may have the data to quiet its skeptics. But its ongoing clinical trial will be the ultimate test.
![Photograph of a gloved hand pointing to a computer screen that is displaying an image of a mouse brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-neurona-lede.webp)
Uncertainty and excitement surround one company’s cell therapy for epilepsy
After 10 years of work, Neurona may have the data to quiet its skeptics. But its ongoing clinical trial will be the ultimate test.
Mutations in multipurpose gene deal dendrites a double whammy
The mutations disrupt protein translation as well as the cell’s skeleton, according to a new study.
![Research image of mutations in mouse cortical neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-EEF1A2-autism.webp)
Mutations in multipurpose gene deal dendrites a double whammy
The mutations disrupt protein translation as well as the cell’s skeleton, according to a new study.
Progress amid setbacks in drug trials for rare forms of epilepsy: Q&A with Justin West
Despite grave side effects, it’s vital to keep developing treatments for rare genetic forms of childhood epilepsy, says West, president of the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation and father of a son with the condition.
![Justin West holding his son.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/1200-justin-west-q-and-a-epilepsy-autism-drug-trial.png)
Progress amid setbacks in drug trials for rare forms of epilepsy: Q&A with Justin West
Despite grave side effects, it’s vital to keep developing treatments for rare genetic forms of childhood epilepsy, says West, president of the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation and father of a son with the condition.
Brain-surgery-free probes can record single-neuron activity
The new devices, which monitor neural activity from within blood vessels, show long-term stability in rats and could one day deliver electrical stimulation.
![Close up of blood vessels shows probe sticking to vessel wall.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-lede-arrow.jpg)
Brain-surgery-free probes can record single-neuron activity
The new devices, which monitor neural activity from within blood vessels, show long-term stability in rats and could one day deliver electrical stimulation.
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.