Learning
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.
Some minimally verbal autistic people show signs of written-language familiarity, study suggests
But researchers not involved in the work worry the findings could be used to support discredited facilitated-communication techniques.
![Conceptual image of colorful falling letters, casting shadows on a white wall.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Non-speaking-autism-1200-1024x692.webp)
Some minimally verbal autistic people show signs of written-language familiarity, study suggests
But researchers not involved in the work worry the findings could be used to support discredited facilitated-communication techniques.
Neurotransmitter switch-up helps fan extreme stress into full-blown fear
The flip occurs when certain neurons in the dorsal raphe start to express the chemical GABA instead of glutamate, a new study shows.
![Image of the dorsal raphe area of the brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DorsalRaphe-1200-1024x692.webp)
Neurotransmitter switch-up helps fan extreme stress into full-blown fear
The flip occurs when certain neurons in the dorsal raphe start to express the chemical GABA instead of glutamate, a new study shows.
‘It must be something I ate’ is hard-wired into the brain
Feeling sick reactivates “novel flavor” neurons, according to a new study in mice, and points to a dedicated circuit for learning to avoid unsafe food.
![Computer-generated illustration of disgusting green food.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-food-aversion-1024x692.webp)
‘It must be something I ate’ is hard-wired into the brain
Feeling sick reactivates “novel flavor” neurons, according to a new study in mice, and points to a dedicated circuit for learning to avoid unsafe food.
Learning or performance? Why the distinction matters for memory science
New methods make it possible to probe the neural substrates of memory with unprecedented precision. Making the most of them demands careful experimental design.
![Photograph of Simone Biles vaulting at the Summer 2020 Olympics.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simon-Biles-Neuro-performance--1024x692.webp)
Learning or performance? Why the distinction matters for memory science
New methods make it possible to probe the neural substrates of memory with unprecedented precision. Making the most of them demands careful experimental design.
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
![Photograph of an intimidating lab mouse.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-hypothalamus-circuits-bulyying-behaviors-1024x683.webp)
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
Cognition in brainless organisms is redefining what it means to learn
A slew of simple creatures demonstrate forms of learning, making the case for cognitive science to expand beyond the boundaries of the human mind.
![Illustration of a starfish against a white backdrop.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-featured-learning-without-a-brain-inside-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Cognition in brainless organisms is redefining what it means to learn
A slew of simple creatures demonstrate forms of learning, making the case for cognitive science to expand beyond the boundaries of the human mind.
What ‘drifting representations’ reveal about the brain
How neuronal activity patterns associated with a behavior can change, even when the behavior does not — something once seen as an experimental artifact — could offer new insights about neural function.
![An abstract illustration of a figure from the shoulders up with multi-colored boxes on its face](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200-representational-drift-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
What ‘drifting representations’ reveal about the brain
How neuronal activity patterns associated with a behavior can change, even when the behavior does not — something once seen as an experimental artifact — could offer new insights about neural function.
‘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.
Some social issues in DYRK1A model mice stem from faulty inhibitory circuits
Alterations in inhibitory circuits and difficulties in social recognition characterize mice missing one copy of DYRK1A, a gene linked to autism.
![A research image of a mouse hippocampus](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-DYRK1A-autism.webp)
Some social issues in DYRK1A model mice stem from faulty inhibitory circuits
Alterations in inhibitory circuits and difficulties in social recognition characterize mice missing one copy of DYRK1A, a gene linked to autism.
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.