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The latest developments in neuroscience

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
Illustration of a mouse melting in front of a fan.

To beat the heat, hypothalamus neurons in mice ramp up their firing

The uptick may help the rodents acclimate to temperature hikes and keep their cool.

By Calli McMurray
11 December 2024 | 7 min read
Drawing by Santiago Ramón y Cajal of a hypothesis for how signals travel through neurons.

‘Sacred objects’ display discredits Golgi and Ramón y Cajal’s rivalry: Q&A with curator Daniel Colón Ramos

A new exhibit that opened last week shows drawings from the influential duo side by side for the first time and recasts them as collaborators. It also reveals lessons for modern scholars.

By Claudia López Lloreda
10 December 2024 | 7 min read
Research image of cerebellum damage in neonatal mice.

Genome folding; organelle changes; self-injury

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 9 December.

By Jill Adams
10 December 2024 | 2 min read
Research image of brain circuits.

Novel neurons upend ‘yin-yang’ model of hunger, satiety in brain

The new type of leptin-sensitive cells curb hunger quickly—adding to an increasingly complex picture of brain circuits that control feeding behaviors.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
9 December 2024 | 5 min read
A stack of dollar bills floats above the outline of a keyhole.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute to limit eligible universities for Investigator Program in bid to spread the wealth

The next round of competition, slated for late 2025, will have a new focus, according to an HHMI spokesperson.

By Shaena Montanari
6 December 2024 | 2 min read
Human X and Y chromosomes.

Extra Y chromosomes are linked to autism

Data from people with more or fewer than two sex chromosomes could help answer questions around genetic protection and vulnerability.

By Grace Huckins
5 December 2024 | 5 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

Anti-seizure medications in pregnancy; TBR1 gene; microglia

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 2 December.

By Jill Adams
3 December 2024 | 1 min read
Photograph of a syringe.

What’s next for brain-directed gene therapy after death in Neurogene trial

The incident highlights that viral vectors can trigger deadly immune responses even when delivered directly to the nervous system.

By Calli McMurray
26 November 2024 | 6 min read
Research image of the NMDA receptor in humans.

Emotional dysregulation; NMDA receptor variation; frank autism

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 25 November.

By Jill Adams
26 November 2024 | 1 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of an open book with the pages creating a brain shape, and with a tassel resembling a DNA sequence.

Open-access neuroscience comes to the classroom: Q&A with Liz Kirby

Neuroscience textbooks can be prohibitively expensive for some undergraduate students. A new open-access alternative seeks to change that.

By Francisco J. Rivera Rosario
13 December 2024 | 6 min read
Black-and-white image of cubes floating out of the bottom half of a human head.

Solving intelligence requires new research and funding models

Our research ecosystem isn't built to deliver the breakthroughs needed to understand intelligence at scale. We need a dedicated research institution to take up the task.

By David A. Markowitz
13 December 2024 | 6 min read
Dima Rinberg smells one of the compounds in his lab, looking at camera with a quizzical expression.

Sniffing out the mysteries of olfaction

A background in physics, and his own curiosity, have helped Dmitry Rinberg tackle the complexities of the neuroscience of smell.

By Lina Zeldovich
11 December 2024 | 13 min read