Science and society

Recent articles

Who funds your basic neuroscience research? Help The Transmitter compile a list of funding sources

We want to hear from you about the sources of funding for your research.

By Claudia López Lloreda
28 March 2025 | 1 min read
University of Puerto Rico building.

The future of neuroscience research at U.S. minority-serving institutions is in danger

Cuts to federally funded programs present an existential crisis for the University of Puerto Rico’s rich neuroscience community and for research at minority-serving institutions everywhere.

By Carmen S. Maldonado-Vlaar
28 March 2025 | 5 min read
University of Puerto Rico building.

El futuro de la investigación neurocientífica en instituciones que sirven minorías está en peligro

Los recortes a los programas financiados con fondos federales representan una crisis existencial para la rica comunidad neurocientífica de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y para la investigación en instituciones que atienden a minorías en todo Estados Unidos.

By Carmen S. Maldonado-Vlaar
28 March 2025 | 7 min read
NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Acting NIH director dismisses five neuroscientists from advisory boards

The letters they received this week did not include a reason for their termination.

By Calli McMurray, Angie Voyles Askham
25 March 2025 | 5 min read
Research image of protein synthesis in mice.

NIH neurodevelopmental assessment system now available as iPad app

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 24 March.

By Jill Adams
25 March 2025 | 2 min read
Research image of mouse brains showing altered migration of upper-layer neurons.

Restoring excitation-inhibition balance in a mouse model of autism; and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 17 March.

By Jill Adams
18 March 2025 | 2 min read
A dropper above a row of beakers against a background of blackboard calculations.

Calculating neuroscience’s carbon cost: Q&A with Stefan Pulver and William Smith

The two scientists discuss how to estimate a research project’s carbon emissions, from supply procurement to energy usage.

By Calli McMurray
12 March 2025 | 7 min read
The NIMH Neuroscience Center Building.

Exclusive: Acting NIH director extends appointments for senior neuroscientists on administrative leave

The change averts termination for the three neuroscience lab heads, who were set to be let go tomorrow.

By Angie Voyles Askham
7 March 2025 | 4 min read
A speech bubble containing multiple smaller speech bubbles.

Amid confusion around U.S. science, some neuroscientists prepare to rally

Eight neuroscientists at different career stages spoke with The Transmitter about whether they plan to participate in the upcoming “Stand Up for Science” demonstrations across the United States on 7 March.

By Sydney Wyatt
4 March 2025 | 2 min read
Research image of enlarged brain ventricles in a mouse model of hydrocephalus.

Vocal language development in genetically different twins; gaze behavior in face-to-face conversation

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 3 March.

By Jill Adams
4 March 2025 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Astrocytes in a mouse brain.

Unexpected astrocyte gene flips image of brain’s ‘stalwart sentinels’

The genetic marker upends the accepted orientation of non-star-like astrocytes in the glia limitans superficialis.

By Lauren Schenkman
28 March 2025 | 5 min read
Illustration of a line graph emanating from a beaker.

Null and Noteworthy: Reexamining registered reports

Out of 92 preregistered studies that resulted in published papers, only 15 had fully adhered to their preregistration details, according to a new analysis.

By Laura Dattaro
28 March 2025 | 5 min read
Research image comparing methods of identifying genes and biological processes linked to Alzheimer's disease.

New tool may help untangle downstream effects of autism-linked genes

The statistical approach helps scientists better control for both measured and unmeasured confounders in gene-expression data, revealing causal relationships between autism-linked genetic variants and downstream cellular effects, such as impaired neuron development.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
27 March 2025 | 5 min read