Systems neuroscience
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
![Illustration of a fly with its life cycle represented on its left and a technological background on its right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lede-Scott-1200-1024x692.webp)
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
![Illustration of a series of squares containing distinct patterns.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LLM-neuroscience-Inside1-1200-1024x692.webp)
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
‘It must be something I ate’ is hard-wired into the brain
Feeling sick reactivates “novel flavor” neurons, according to a new study in mice, and points to a dedicated circuit for learning to avoid unsafe food.
![Computer-generated illustration of disgusting green food.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-food-aversion-1024x692.webp)
‘It must be something I ate’ is hard-wired into the brain
Feeling sick reactivates “novel flavor” neurons, according to a new study in mice, and points to a dedicated circuit for learning to avoid unsafe food.
The origins of COSYNE: Building a community
Thirty years ago, theoretical and experimental neuroscientists rarely went to the same conferences. So I helped launch a meeting to get them talking.
![Scientists collaborating in an imagined lab space, with tiny skiers on slopes in the distance.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cosyne-Tony-Zador-Neuroscience-1200-1024x692.webp)
The origins of COSYNE: Building a community
Thirty years ago, theoretical and experimental neuroscientists rarely went to the same conferences. So I helped launch a meeting to get them talking.
Monkey studies throw wrench into decade-old idea about movement’s effect on visual cortex
Movements that boost activity in the visual cortex of mice have the opposite or no effect in marmosets and macaques, prompting questions about whether mice are a suitable model for the primate visual system.
![Illustration of a yellow brain and a pink brain](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-cortical-states-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x683.webp)
Monkey studies throw wrench into decade-old idea about movement’s effect on visual cortex
Movements that boost activity in the visual cortex of mice have the opposite or no effect in marmosets and macaques, prompting questions about whether mice are a suitable model for the primate visual system.
Being uncomfortable and PKMzeta with André Fenton
The director of the Center for Neural Science shares a ghost story and talks about his collaboration with Todd Sacktor.
![Illustrated portrait of André Fenton.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-andre-fenton-synaptic-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Being uncomfortable and PKMzeta with André Fenton
The director of the Center for Neural Science shares a ghost story and talks about his collaboration with Todd Sacktor.
Remembering Peter Schiller, principled pioneer of vision research
Schiller, best known for his research on how the superior colliculus controls eye movements, died last month at the age of 92.
![A photograph of Peter Schiller](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-peter-schiller-obituary-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x683.webp)
Remembering Peter Schiller, principled pioneer of vision research
Schiller, best known for his research on how the superior colliculus controls eye movements, died last month at the age of 92.
Name this network: Addressing huge inconsistencies across studies
Entrenched practices have stymied efforts to build a universal taxonomy of functional brain networks. But a new tool to standardize brain-imaging findings could bring us a step closer.
![An abstract illustration of boxes connected by lines](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200_brainnetworks-1-1024x683.webp)
Name this network: Addressing huge inconsistencies across studies
Entrenched practices have stymied efforts to build a universal taxonomy of functional brain networks. But a new tool to standardize brain-imaging findings could bring us a step closer.
Standout neuroscience news in 2023
Did you miss any of our favorite stories from the past year? Revisit them here.
![Still from research video displaying wiring map of a fruit fly's brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-2023-news-1024x683.webp)
Standout neuroscience news in 2023
Did you miss any of our favorite stories from the past year? Revisit them here.
From a scientist’s perspective: The Transmitter’s top five essays in 2023
From big-picture debates about theories and terms to practical tips for teaching and writing, our favorite expert-written articles offer a glimpse into what neuroscientists are thinking.
![A hand points to an illustration on a chalkboard.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1200-transmitter-how-to-teach-paper-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
From a scientist’s perspective: The Transmitter’s top five essays in 2023
From big-picture debates about theories and terms to practical tips for teaching and writing, our favorite expert-written articles offer a glimpse into what neuroscientists are thinking.
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.
![](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.