2022: Year in review

Recent articles

Large graphic numerals 40 in black on white.

40 under 40

In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 4 min read
A transplanted human organoid labeled with a fluorescent protein in a section of the rat brain.

Hot topics in autism research in 2022

This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 6 min read
Two globe and chat bubble hybrids overlap against a blue background.

Autism researchers’ top tweets in 2022

Social media chatter this past year took up a mysterious gene region, the brain’s physical geometry and other topics related to the advancement of autism science.

By Michael Fergenson
22 December 2022 | 6 min read
Illustration of a brain with geometric figures inside of it.

Top conferences of 2023

Track some of the major autism science meetings next year on our timeline, and tell us which ones you plan to attend.

By Spectrum
22 December 2022 | 2 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

A boy manipulates blocks at a table while sitting across from a woman taking notes.

Prevalence of profound autism declines with new definition

The updated, more precise definition used in a CDC study includes adaptive scores.

By Brianna Abbott
22 October 2026 | 5 min read

Is it time for neuroscience to shift its focus from a computational mind to a navigating mind?

Andrea Hiott explains her navigational approach to the mind, and why now is the time to embrace seemingly paradoxical findings in neuroscience.

By Paul Middlebrooks
21 October 2026 | 1 min read
Research image of an organoid with a necrotic core.

Human brain organoids come of age—but still have room to grow

The U.S. government has touted organoids as an alternative to animals for studying the brain. The model has improved since its debut in 2013, but scientists are still working to overcome key limitations: immaturity, consistency and the lack of vascularization.

By Claudia López Lloreda
21 October 2026 | 9 min read