Technology

Research image of a variety of brain atlases.

New ‘decoder’ tool translates functional neuroimaging terms across labs

The compendium of brain-parcellation atlases makes it possible to compare large-scale network data, which often involves different and overlapping network names.

By Holly Barker
23 July 2024 | 4 min read

Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation

Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.

By Calli McMurray
15 May 2024 | 0 min watch
A figure walks along a long road with a gene-sequence-like pattern.

How long-read sequencing will transform neuroscience

New technology that delivers much more than a simple DNA sequence could have a major impact on brain research, enabling researchers to study transcript diversity, imprinting and more.

By Tychele Turner
22 November 2023 | 6 min listen

New specs immerse mice in virtual worlds

The tool — called “MouseGoggles” — could provide rodents with an improved virtual experience in the lab, at a lower cost than current techniques.

By Holly Barker
16 October 2023 | 3 min read

Lightweight system captures brain activity while mice jump

A thin “micro-tether” and rotating connector facilitate uninterrupted, hours-long neural population recordings as the animals freely explore their environment.

By Maris Fessenden
26 September 2023 | 3 min read
An illustration of a hand placing letters spelling the word voice on a black board.
Spectrum Microphone

Debate unfurls over inclusivity and authenticity in research involving minimally verbal autistic people

Autism researchers can’t agree on how far to go to validate the input they gather from minimally verbal autistic people who use certain communication devices.

By Brendan Borrell
25 September 2023 | 11 min read
Two mice touching.

‘Social touch’ responses in mice gauged with unprecedented control

A new tool could help decipher the brain circuits underlying aversion to social touch, which is common in people with autism.

By Celia Ford
19 September 2023 | 4 min read
Close up of blood vessels shows probe sticking to vessel wall.

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.

By Charles Q. Choi
15 August 2023 | 5 min read

Robotic headgear records brain activity in moving mice

The tool could help researchers study the neurobiology of natural behaviors, scientists say.

By Holly Barker
3 August 2023 | 5 min read
Methods Microphone

Repurposed electronics lens spies neurons across entire mouse brain

When combined with tissue-inflation methods, the microscope can image axons without the need for tissue slicing, the researchers say.

By Holly Barker
14 July 2023 | 5 min listen

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.

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.

By Laura Dattaro
26 July 2024 | 7 min read
Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.

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.

By Cathleen O’Grady
25 July 2024 | 8 min read

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.

By Angie Voyles Askham
24 July 2024 | 6 min read