Neurodevelopment

Recent articles

Research image of frog cells.

Many autism-linked proteins influence hair-like cilia on human brain cells

The finding may help explain autism’s association with multiple co-occurring conditions that involve cilia defects.

By Charles Q. Choi
9 January 2025 | 4 min read
Research image of brain scans.

Impaired molecular ‘chaperone’ accompanies multiple brain changes, conditions

Rare genetic variants in a protein-folding complex contribute to a spectrum of phenotypes that encompass brain malformations, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, according to a new “hallmark” study.

By Holly Barker
12 December 2024 | 5 min read
Photograph of Theanne Griffith sitting at a table with her hands interlocked over a stack of books, with one that she has published at the very top.

Crafting tales of science with Theanne Griffith

A lifelong passion for writing helped the neuroscientist land a book deal and publish 15 chapter books for early readers, covering topics ranging from what the cerebellum does to how a cake bakes.

By Angie Voyles Askham
26 August 2024 | 8 min read
Research image of a brain chimera containing neurons from rats and mice.

Is it time to worry about brain chimeras?

Brains made of neurons from two species raise new concerns.

By Joshua R. Sanes
5 August 2024 | 9 min listen
A hand holds a stack of speech bubbles.

Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes

Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.

By Shafali Spurling Jeste
11 July 2024 | 7 min read
Research image of enteric neurons in zebrafish.

Opioid receptors may guide formation of gut nervous system in zebrafish

Fish lacking functional copies of the receptors have fewer enteric neurons than usual, but the findings await further validation.

By Olivia Gieger
26 June 2024 | 4 min read
A photograph of researcher Aya Osman

Striking a pose with Aya Osman

The neuroscientist and part-time fashion model opens up about the people who inspire her; her interest in science communication; and how she once ended up on a stage with Channing Tatum.

By Angie Voyles Askham
31 May 2024 | 7 min read

Rat neurons thrive in a mouse brain world, testing ‘nature versus nurture’

Neurons from the two rodents can wire up together to form functional circuits—all while maintaining some species-specific properties, two new studies show.

By Angie Voyles Askham
17 May 2024 | 5 min read
On the hunt for cerebral palsy’s genetic origins

On the hunt for cerebral palsy’s genetic origins

Two recent papers suggest genes can play a significant role, findings that could change diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

By Shaena Montanari
29 November 2023 | 5 min read
Prairie voles nestling together on white background.

Parental care may sculpt brain development in prairie voles

Voles reared primarily by their fathers show altered synapse density.

By Emma Yasinski
1 September 2023 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Neuroscientists fear Trump’s DEI order may tank diversity-focused grants

Programs that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in the field may be at risk, leaving researchers in a “holding pattern,” according to one grant recipient.

By Angie Voyles Askham, Claudia López Lloreda
24 January 2025 | 5 min read
Photograph of Floyd Bloom.

Remembering the life of neuropharmacologist Floyd Bloom

The co-author of the classic textbook “The Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology” and pioneer in studying the roles of neurotransmitters in the brain died on 8 January at 88 years old.

By Sydney Wyatt
24 January 2025 | 7 min read
Research image of circuits emerging from striosomes in the striatum.

Newly characterized striatal circuits add twist to ‘go/no-go’ model of movement control

The two novel pathways control dopamine release in opposing ways and may link motivation and mood to action, a new study shows.

By Claudia López Lloreda
24 January 2025 | 4 min read