Features
In-depth analysis of important topics in neuroscience
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
![an illustration of scientists parachuting](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ParachuteProb-1200-1024x692.webp)
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
![Illustration of a series of squares containing distinct patterns.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LLM-neuroscience-Inside1-1200-1024x692.webp)
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
![Close-up of a green glass slide embedded with dozens of tiny electrodes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/making-cancer-nervous-lede-1024x683.webp)
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
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.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
![Research video of a zebrafish larva (zoomed in on the gut) being given glucose.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/844-peripheral-nervous-system-deep-dive-autism-hp-size.gif)
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
The promise of telehealth in autism diagnoses
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning, in which autism clinicians had to redefine best practices and expand how children are evaluated. The remote assessments they developed may help solve a persistent problem: the long wait families endure to get a diagnosis in the United States.
![Coraline with her family at home in Pennsylvania.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/844-Lead-Hannah-autism-telehealth.jpg)
The promise of telehealth in autism diagnoses
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning, in which autism clinicians had to redefine best practices and expand how children are evaluated. The remote assessments they developed may help solve a persistent problem: the long wait families endure to get a diagnosis in the United States.
Autism research at the crossroads
The power struggle between researchers, autistic self-advocates and parents is threatening progress across the field.
![Three groups of people meet and mix at a crossroads.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Autism-crossroads-advocacy-844.jpg)
Autism research at the crossroads
The power struggle between researchers, autistic self-advocates and parents is threatening progress across the field.
40 under 40
In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.
![Large graphic numerals 40 in black on white.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/40under40Monserrat.jpg)
40 under 40
In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.
Hot topics in autism research in 2022
This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.
![A transplanted human organoid labeled with a fluorescent protein in a section of the rat brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844-hot-topics-autism-research-2022.png)
Hot topics in autism research in 2022
This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.
Autism researchers’ top tweets in 2022
Social media chatter this past year took up a mysterious gene region, the brain’s physical geometry and other topics related to the advancement of autism science.
![Two globe and chat bubble hybrids overlap against a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/community-nl-20220926-autism-844.jpg)
Autism researchers’ top tweets in 2022
Social media chatter this past year took up a mysterious gene region, the brain’s physical geometry and other topics related to the advancement of autism science.
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.