Synapses
Recent articles
Worms help untangle brain structure/function mystery
The synaptic connectome of most animals bears little resemblance to functional brain maps, but it can still predict neuronal activity, according to two preprints that tackle the puzzle in C. elegans.

Worms help untangle brain structure/function mystery
The synaptic connectome of most animals bears little resemblance to functional brain maps, but it can still predict neuronal activity, according to two preprints that tackle the puzzle in C. elegans.
How developing neurons simplify their search for a synaptic mate
Streamlining the problem from 3D to 1D eases the expedition—a strategy the study investigators deployed to rewire an olfactory circuit in flies.

How developing neurons simplify their search for a synaptic mate
Streamlining the problem from 3D to 1D eases the expedition—a strategy the study investigators deployed to rewire an olfactory circuit in flies.
Connectomics 2.0: Simulating the brain
With a complete fly connectome in hand, researchers are taking the next step to model how brain circuits fuel function.

Connectomics 2.0: Simulating the brain
With a complete fly connectome in hand, researchers are taking the next step to model how brain circuits fuel function.
Inhibitory cells work in concert to orchestrate neuronal activity in mouse brain
A cubic millimeter of brain tissue, meticulously sectioned, stained and scrutinized over the past seven years, reveals in stunning detail the role of inhibitory interneurons in brain structure and function.

Inhibitory cells work in concert to orchestrate neuronal activity in mouse brain
A cubic millimeter of brain tissue, meticulously sectioned, stained and scrutinized over the past seven years, reveals in stunning detail the role of inhibitory interneurons in brain structure and function.
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.

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.
START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.

START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.
Microglia’s pruning function called into question
Scientists are divided over the extent to which the cells sculpt circuits during development.

Microglia’s pruning function called into question
Scientists are divided over the extent to which the cells sculpt circuits during development.
What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.

What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.
Synaptic anomalies in autistic people support imbalance hypothesis
Increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory synapses in the prefrontal cortex of autistic people suggest broader impacts on brain function and connectivity.

Synaptic anomalies in autistic people support imbalance hypothesis
Increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory synapses in the prefrontal cortex of autistic people suggest broader impacts on brain function and connectivity.
Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.

Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Protein interactions important to SYNGAP1-related conditions; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 8 September.

Protein interactions important to SYNGAP1-related conditions; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 8 September.
Mitochondria set ‘ancient’ metabolic thermostat for sleep in flies, separate from circadian rhythms
During waking hours, a specialized set of sleep neurons in the fly brain accumulates reactive oxygen species, which eventually trigger sleep to clean up and repair the damage they do.

Mitochondria set ‘ancient’ metabolic thermostat for sleep in flies, separate from circadian rhythms
During waking hours, a specialized set of sleep neurons in the fly brain accumulates reactive oxygen species, which eventually trigger sleep to clean up and repair the damage they do.
Building the future of neuroscience at HBCUs
Black In Neuro is launching a new program to help historically Black colleges and universities advance neuroscience research and education, focusing on cross-institutional collaboration, joint curriculum development and improved mentoring initiatives.

Building the future of neuroscience at HBCUs
Black In Neuro is launching a new program to help historically Black colleges and universities advance neuroscience research and education, focusing on cross-institutional collaboration, joint curriculum development and improved mentoring initiatives.