Synaptic plasticity
Recent articles
Noncoding RNA sways core autism traits in mice
Small deletions in an X-linked RNA alter social and repetitive behaviors in male mice without broadly affecting learning or memory.
Noncoding RNA sways core autism traits in mice
Small deletions in an X-linked RNA alter social and repetitive behaviors in male mice without broadly affecting learning or memory.
Four protein synthesis pioneers win Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
Their research revealed how neurons synthesize proteins in previously unrecognized places.
Four protein synthesis pioneers win Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
Their research revealed how neurons synthesize proteins in previously unrecognized places.
‘The Brain, In Theory,’ an excerpt
In his new book, Brette pushes back against theories that describe the brain as a “biological computer.” In this excerpt from Chapter 4, he challenges equating brain evolution with programming, and the universality of neural network models.
‘The Brain, In Theory,’ an excerpt
In his new book, Brette pushes back against theories that describe the brain as a “biological computer.” In this excerpt from Chapter 4, he challenges equating brain evolution with programming, and the universality of neural network models.
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.
The best of ‘this paper changed my life’ in 2025
From a study that upended astrocyte research to one that reignited the field of spiking neural networks, experts weighed in on the papers that significantly shaped how they think about and approach neuroscience.
The best of ‘this paper changed my life’ in 2025
From a study that upended astrocyte research to one that reignited the field of spiking neural networks, experts weighed in on the papers that significantly shaped how they think about and approach neuroscience.
This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.
This paper changed my life: Sandra Jurado marvels at the first-ever 3D model of a synaptic vesicle
In this 2006 Cell paper, Shigeo Takamori and his colleagues showcased the molecular machinery of synaptic vesicles in outstanding detail. Their work taught me that these aren’t just passive containers for neurotransmitters but dynamic, precision-built nanomachines.
Learning in living mice defies classic synaptic plasticity rule
Donald Hebb’s theory—memorably summarized as “cells that fire together, wire together”—does not explain the shifting hippocampal connections in mice learning to navigate a virtual environment, according to a new study.
Learning in living mice defies classic synaptic plasticity rule
Donald Hebb’s theory—memorably summarized as “cells that fire together, wire together”—does not explain the shifting hippocampal connections in mice learning to navigate a virtual environment, according to a new study.
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.
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
Targeting NMDA receptor subunit reverses fragile X traits in mice
The subunit acts as a “volume control” on signaling that shapes the density of dendritic spines, the new work suggests.
Targeting NMDA receptor subunit reverses fragile X traits in mice
The subunit acts as a “volume control” on signaling that shapes the density of dendritic spines, the new work suggests.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Public engagement can help cultivate support for animal research
The European Animal Research Association's Patient Discovery Project connects researchers with people who have the conditions they study. The learning goes both ways.
Public engagement can help cultivate support for animal research
The European Animal Research Association's Patient Discovery Project connects researchers with people who have the conditions they study. The learning goes both ways.
Brain registers spatial location outside hippocampus
A more complex picture of how an animal’s brain tracks its location is starting to emerge.
Brain registers spatial location outside hippocampus
A more complex picture of how an animal’s brain tracks its location is starting to emerge.
The three-banded panther worm is rewriting the story of brain evolution
The animal has a brain structure all its own, according to a 2026 preprint. The finding hints that brains could have evolved centralization before regionalization.
The three-banded panther worm is rewriting the story of brain evolution
The animal has a brain structure all its own, according to a 2026 preprint. The finding hints that brains could have evolved centralization before regionalization.