Serotonin
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.
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
![Research image comparing microglia with serotonin receptors to those without.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-demo.png)
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
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.
In deep water with Gül Dölen
A researcher's existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.
![Scientist Gül Dölen smiles while looking towards the window in her lab's office.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gul-Dolen-portrait-autism-844.jpg)
In deep water with Gül Dölen
A researcher's existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.
Tripping over the potential of psychedelics for autism
Drugs such as LSD act primarily on the serotonin system, which is implicated in autism — and some autistic people who experiment with psychoactive compounds report enhanced social connections, among other benefits. But researchers have more questions than answers.
![An illustration of a colorful, psychedelic landscape featuring two people standing on a hill speaking to one another](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MDMA_lead_844.jpg)
Tripping over the potential of psychedelics for autism
Drugs such as LSD act primarily on the serotonin system, which is implicated in autism — and some autistic people who experiment with psychoactive compounds report enhanced social connections, among other benefits. But researchers have more questions than answers.
Serotonin shapes social memory signals
Social memory, which may be altered in autism, depends on serotonin-sensitive neurons that send signals from the medial septum to the hippocampus.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CreRabies844.jpg)
Serotonin shapes social memory signals
Social memory, which may be altered in autism, depends on serotonin-sensitive neurons that send signals from the medial septum to the hippocampus.
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
![Illustration shows two octopi interacting on a yellow background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/Octopus844.jpg)
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
Drugs boost serotonin, socialization in multiple autism mouse models
The finding that MDMA and an experimental serotonin agonist increase sociability across six different model mice suggests that disparate autism-linked mutations converge on the same underlying pathways.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210806-Serotonin844.jpg)
Drugs boost serotonin, socialization in multiple autism mouse models
The finding that MDMA and an experimental serotonin agonist increase sociability across six different model mice suggests that disparate autism-linked mutations converge on the same underlying pathways.
After 60 years, scientists are still trying to crack a mysterious serotonin-autism link
The high levels of serotonin seen in the blood of some autistic people have confounded scientists for more than half a century. Despite so little progress, some researchers refuse to give up.
![Illustration of transporter mice in brain maze](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210609-Serotonin-844.jpg)
After 60 years, scientists are still trying to crack a mysterious serotonin-autism link
The high levels of serotonin seen in the blood of some autistic people have confounded scientists for more than half a century. Despite so little progress, some researchers refuse to give up.
Sensor helps scientists spy on serotonin activity in mice in real time
A glowing protein tracks serotonin levels and location in the brains of living mice and could yield clues to the neurotransmitter’s role in autism.
Sensor helps scientists spy on serotonin activity in mice in real time
A glowing protein tracks serotonin levels and location in the brains of living mice and could yield clues to the neurotransmitter’s role in autism.
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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.