2015: Year in review
Recent articles
What’s the hardest part of an autism researcher’s job?
Scientists dish about the biggest challenges they face as they tackle tough questions about autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/HardestJob-844.jpg)
What’s the hardest part of an autism researcher’s job?
Scientists dish about the biggest challenges they face as they tackle tough questions about autism.
Notable papers of 2015
Our top 10 papers for this year, based on input from autism researchers, capture the full spectrum of findings — from molecular biology to large-scale epidemiology.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NotablePapers-844-2.jpg)
Notable papers of 2015
Our top 10 papers for this year, based on input from autism researchers, capture the full spectrum of findings — from molecular biology to large-scale epidemiology.
Hot topics of 2015
Here’s a rundown of five trending topics that are turning traditional assumptions about autism on their head.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/EditorsNote-844.jpg)
Hot topics of 2015
Here’s a rundown of five trending topics that are turning traditional assumptions about autism on their head.
Quotes of the year
Here are some of our favorite quotes, by those who study autism and those who live with it, from articles we published in 2015.
![Illustration: A white mouse sits on a gloved-hand. The mouse is posing as if giving a speech.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Quotes-844.jpg)
Quotes of the year
Here are some of our favorite quotes, by those who study autism and those who live with it, from articles we published in 2015.
Artist with autism illustrates ‘invisible disability’
Sounds, smells and social encounters are just a few of the challenges that Leironica Hawkins, an artist on the spectrum, faces every day.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/YIRComics-844.jpg)
Artist with autism illustrates ‘invisible disability’
Sounds, smells and social encounters are just a few of the challenges that Leironica Hawkins, an artist on the spectrum, faces every day.
Research one-liners
Autism researchers distill countless hours of frantic grant-writing and experiments into a single sentence — with some hilarious results.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ResearchinaSentence-844.jpg)
Research one-liners
Autism researchers distill countless hours of frantic grant-writing and experiments into a single sentence — with some hilarious results.
Spectrum’s first year
To say this has been a momentous year for the website would be an understatement.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/EditorsNote-844-2.jpg)
Spectrum’s first year
To say this has been a momentous year for the website would be an understatement.
Staff picks from 2015
Some of our favorite stories this year went beyond the news to lay bare critical controversies or highlight real-world implications of research.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/StaffPics-844-2.jpg)
Staff picks from 2015
Some of our favorite stories this year went beyond the news to lay bare critical controversies or highlight real-world implications of research.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.