Depression

Recent articles

A mouse stands on a gloved hand.

Psychedelics research in rodents has a behavior problem

Simple behavioral assays—originally validated as drug-screening tools—fall short in studies that aim to unpack the psychedelic mechanism of action, so some behavioral neuroscientists are developing more nuanced tasks.

By Calli McMurray
19 December 2025 | 8 min read
Close up of thumb and forefinger holding a transparent red and white capsule pill with a lab inside it.

How basic neuroscience has paved the path to new drugs

A growing list of medications—such as zuranolone for postpartum depression, suzetrigine for pain, and the gepants class of migraine medicines—exist because of insights from basic research.

By Alex Kwan
15 December 2025 | 6 min read
Stack of papers.

What are the most-cited neuroscience papers from the past 30 years?

Highly cited papers reflect the surge in artificial-intelligence research in the field and other technical advances, plus prizewinning work on analgesics, the fusiform face area and ion channels.

By The Transmitter
15 November 2025 | 11 min read
Portion of The Transmitter’s state of neuroscience semantic map.

Putting 50 years of neuroscience on the map

Navigate the rise and fall of research topics over five decades using our interactive map, which is based on a semantic analysis of nearly 350,000 abstracts in leading neuroscience journals.

By The Transmitter
15 November 2025 | 3 min read
Abstract flowing shapes.

Perimenopause: An important—and understudied—transition for the brain

Many well-known perimenopause symptoms arise in the brain, but we still know little about the specific mechanisms at play. More research—in both animals and humans—is essential.

By Marija Kundakovic
12 November 2025 | 6 min read
Illustration of a brain surrounded by a stylized silhouette of a human head with psychedelic colors and textures.

Why we need basic science to better understand the neurobiology of psychedelics

Despite the many psychedelics clinical trials underway, there is still much we don’t know about how these drugs work. Preclinical studies represent our best viable avenue to answer these lingering questions.

By Devin Effinger, Melissa Herman
1 October 2025 | 6 min read
Hands arrange various shapes over a color background.

Emotion research has a communication conundrum

In 2025, the words we use to describe emotions matter, but their definitions are controversial. Here, I unpack the different positions in this space and the rationales behind them—and I invite 13 experts to chime in.

By Nicole Rust
5 September 2025 | 29 min read

Chris Rozell explains how brain stimulation and AI are helping to treat mental disorders

Rozell and his colleagues, using deep brain stimulation and explainable artificial intelligence, have developed tools to help people with treatment-resistant depression.

By Paul Middlebrooks
13 August 2025 | 1 min read
Abstract illustration of a human brain.

‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That,’ an excerpt

In her new book, published today, neuroscientist Nicole Rust takes us on her personal quest to spell out the brain research community’s “Grand Plan.”

By Nicole Rust
10 June 2025 | 9 min read
Tiger in a brain scanner.

Lions and tigers and bears: Long-lived zoo animals offer a promising venue to study mental health and neurodegenerative disorders

These animals’ lifestyles often mirror those of people, making them a more relevant milieu than lab mice for determining how environmental factors influence mental health and cognitive decline. Studying them could improve animal welfare in the process.

By Christine J. Charvet
17 March 2025 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Myelin research image.

Beyond glucose: The brain may feed itself

Myelin may serve as an energy reserve for the brain, according to recent findings, prompting neuroscientists to rethink how the brain stores, shares and protects energy.

By Carlos Matute
26 May 2026 | 6 min read
Research image of genetic models

SHANK3-variant effects in primates, and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 25 May.

By Jill Adams
26 May 2026 | 2 min read
Research image of locus coeruleus

Brain’s blue spot possesses unexpected structure-function ties

The spatial arrangement of neurons in the locus coeruleus of mice corresponds with the cells’ targets across the brain, according to a new study.

By Holly Barker
25 May 2026 | 4 min read