Rats
The value of math and spatial learning with Loren Frank
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator discusses what drew him to study the brain and his current work at the University of California, San Francisco.
![Illustrated portrait of Loren Frank.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1200-loren-frank-synaptic-1-1024x683.webp)
The value of math and spatial learning with Loren Frank
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator discusses what drew him to study the brain and his current work at the University of California, San Francisco.
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.
‘wildDISCO’ cocktail yields whole-body maps of mouse neurons and more
A new technique used to create see-through rodents can help scientists analyze how the nervous system interacts with other body systems.
‘wildDISCO’ cocktail yields whole-body maps of mouse neurons and more
A new technique used to create see-through rodents can help scientists analyze how the nervous system interacts with other body systems.
CRISPR tool rids rodents of oxytocin receptors
The approach provides an “off-the-shelf” way for researchers to compare oxytocin function across species, the team says.
![Research image of rodent brain scans.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-CRISPR-rodents-oxytocin-autism.png)
CRISPR tool rids rodents of oxytocin receptors
The approach provides an “off-the-shelf” way for researchers to compare oxytocin function across species, the team says.
Company on brink takes psilocybin to trial for fragile X syndrome
The phase 2A trial has its detractors despite positive animal results and is being sponsored by a company that is struggling financially.
![An illustration of a scientist on a stage with a giant pill bottle that has been chopped in half.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-nova-mentis-autism.jpg)
Company on brink takes psilocybin to trial for fragile X syndrome
The phase 2A trial has its detractors despite positive animal results and is being sponsored by a company that is struggling financially.
Serotonin initiates earliest social bonds
Mice and rats, for example, gravitate toward their mother’s bedding over bedding that is clean or smells of a different dam.
![Mother and child rhesus macaque monkeys.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/844-macaque.jpg)
Serotonin initiates earliest social bonds
Mice and rats, for example, gravitate toward their mother’s bedding over bedding that is clean or smells of a different dam.
The link between maternal infection and autism, explained
Having an infection during pregnancy is tied to a small increase in the chances of having an autistic child, but the connection may not be causal.
![Illustration of a pregnant woman seated next to a large diagram of the brain featuring chromosomes, bacteria and other microbes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1200-maternal-inflamation-1024x683.webp)
The link between maternal infection and autism, explained
Having an infection during pregnancy is tied to a small increase in the chances of having an autistic child, but the connection may not be causal.
Human cortical organoids forge functional circuits in rat brains
The transplanted cells integrate into living animals’ neural circuitry and influence behavior.
![A transplanted human organoid labeled with a fluorescent protein in a section of the rat brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-transplanted-cortical-organoids-autism-cc.png)
Human cortical organoids forge functional circuits in rat brains
The transplanted cells integrate into living animals’ neural circuitry and influence behavior.
New software flags autism rat model’s telltale squeaks
By breaking rodent vocalizations into parts, TrackUSF distinguishes rats with mutations in the SHANK3 gene from their wildtype counterparts.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/trackusf-toolbox-rat-model-autism-lede-844.png)
New software flags autism rat model’s telltale squeaks
By breaking rodent vocalizations into parts, TrackUSF distinguishes rats with mutations in the SHANK3 gene from their wildtype counterparts.
Maternal sleep apnea may contribute to autism-like traits in rats
Pups born to mothers that experience low oxygen during sleep have overactive mTOR signaling, which has been linked to some forms of autism.
![Micrograph of neuron dendrite segments.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dendrite-Sleep-844-2.jpg)
Maternal sleep apnea may contribute to autism-like traits in rats
Pups born to mothers that experience low oxygen during sleep have overactive mTOR signaling, which has been linked to some forms of 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.