Funding

Recent articles

Capitol building
Spectrum Microphone

In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope

The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.

By Rachel Zamzow
5 September 2024 | 5 min listen
Computer-generated illustration of a pencil.

From bench to bot: Does AI really make you a more efficient writer?

A more significant benefit may lie in improving quality, refining tone and reducing cognitive burden. But beware of bias.

By Tim Requarth
3 September 2024 | 11 min read
Image of a crumpled dollar bill on a light pink background. The bill's edges suggest a line graph trending downward.
Funding Microphone

Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear

As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.

By Angie Voyles Askham
3 July 2024 | 4 min listen
Photograph of Kaitlyn Casimo posing with a skull.

The Transmitter Launch: Q&A with Kaitlyn Casimo

A self-proclaimed “neuroscientist, engagement manager and theater nerd,” Casimo taps her broad training to engage the public and deliver “elevator pitch” workshops for Allen Institute scientists.

By Alaina G. Levine
7 June 2024 | 5 min read
A hand holds a compass against a light orange background.

The Transmitter Launch: Industry internships, ‘Next Generation Leaders,’ and more

Working at a biotechnology or artificial-intelligence company is no longer an “alternative career” for researchers with a doctorate in neuroscience—plus jobs, training and funding updates for May.

By Elissa Welle
10 May 2024 | 4 min read
Hands pull apart a pie chart.

What neuroscientists should know—and what they can do—about changes to BRAIN initiative funding

Many grant proposals submitted to the program in the past year are unlikely to be funded, according to people within the National Institutes of Health. But scientist advocates are reaching out to congressional representatives to try to make changes for 2025.

By Angie Voyles Askham
2 May 2024 | 7 min read

$278 million cut in BRAIN Initiative funding leaves neuroscientists in limbo

The program is funded at $402 million for the current fiscal year, a 40 percent drop from last year.

By Angie Voyles Askham
18 April 2024 | 4 min read
Illustration of hands of different colors reaching out to untangle string that is covering a sheet of paper with text on it.
Policy Microphone

NIH seeks input on how structural racism affects brain research, health

The feedback could lead to “novel ways” to conduct studies and reduce health disparities, a National Institutes of Health employee says.

By Calli McMurray
17 April 2024 | 7 min listen
A stack of papers with a red paper on top.

‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds

The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.

By Calli McMurray
5 April 2024 | 3 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a sheet of paper emanating from a computer screen.

From bench to bot: Boost your writing with AI personas

Asking ChatGPT to review your own grant proposals can help you spot weaknesses.

By Tim Requarth
5 April 2024 | 10 min read

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.

By Calli McMurray
6 September 2024 | 5 min read
Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.

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.

By Olivia Gieger
4 September 2024 | 6 min read
Research image of astrocytes and microglia in mouse brains.

X-chromosome genes; neurobiology of infant crying; MCHAT in preemies

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 2 September.

By Jill Adams
3 September 2024 | 2 min read