Sequencing
Recent articles
START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.
![A cortical neuron glows orange and red.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/rabies-tracing-neuro-1200-1024x692.webp)
START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.
Octopus arm anatomy, molecular makeup revealed in new maps
The datasets provide “a very nice reference” for future functional studies.
Octopus arm anatomy, molecular makeup revealed in new maps
The datasets provide “a very nice reference” for future functional studies.
How long-read sequencing will transform neuroscience
New technology that delivers much more than a simple DNA sequence could have a major impact on brain research, enabling researchers to study transcript diversity, imprinting and more.
![A figure walks along a long road with a gene-sequence-like pattern.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1200_longread-1-1024x683.webp)
How long-read sequencing will transform neuroscience
New technology that delivers much more than a simple DNA sequence could have a major impact on brain research, enabling researchers to study transcript diversity, imprinting and more.
Method pinpoints cell-specific effects of autism-linked mutations
The approach, which combines CRISPR with single-cell analyses of organoids, suggests that intermediate progenitor cells are especially vulnerable to mutations associated with autism.
![Research image of cerebral organoids.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-cell-specific-effects-autism-linked-mutations-lede.png)
Method pinpoints cell-specific effects of autism-linked mutations
The approach, which combines CRISPR with single-cell analyses of organoids, suggests that intermediate progenitor cells are especially vulnerable to mutations associated with autism.
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
![Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-mitochondria-autism.jpg)
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
Preprint questions validity of postmortem brain studies
But the alternatives, including living-brain biopsies, raise logistical and ethical questions, experts say.
![A brain slice under a microscope.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-postmortem-brain-studies-validity-autism.jpg)
Preprint questions validity of postmortem brain studies
But the alternatives, including living-brain biopsies, raise logistical and ethical questions, experts say.
Atlas of gene activity in prenatal brain holds clues to autism
Genes exert their strongest influence on the brain in the first half of gestation — a key window for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
![Research diagram of gene clusters.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-final-1.png)
Atlas of gene activity in prenatal brain holds clues to autism
Genes exert their strongest influence on the brain in the first half of gestation — a key window for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
African genetics study NeuroDev shares initial findings
The most comprehensive study of neurodevelopmental conditions in Kenya and South Africa ever conducted shares preliminary results and lessons.
![Image of scientists working in a lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/844-cc_KEMRI-Lab_edited.jpg)
African genetics study NeuroDev shares initial findings
The most comprehensive study of neurodevelopmental conditions in Kenya and South Africa ever conducted shares preliminary results and lessons.
Chromatin remodeling tied to altered splicing in autism model
Exposing neurons to valproic acid, a well-known environmental risk factor for autism, disrupts their ability to generate different proteins from the same gene.
![Illustration of neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-autism-chromatin-remodeling-altered-splicing.jpg)
Chromatin remodeling tied to altered splicing in autism model
Exposing neurons to valproic acid, a well-known environmental risk factor for autism, disrupts their ability to generate different proteins from the same gene.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Why practical summer courses in neuroscience matter
Among other reasons, this tradition helps researchers rekindle the unfettered joy that initially brought them to the field.
![Multiple people look together at a whiteboard in a lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lede-1200-tuthill-neuroscience-summer-courses-5-1024x683.webp)
Why practical summer courses in neuroscience matter
Among other reasons, this tradition helps researchers rekindle the unfettered joy that initially brought them to the field.
Remembering Eleanor Maguire, ‘trailblazer’ of human memory
Maguire, mastermind of the famous London taxi-driver study, broadened the field and championed the importance of spatial representations in memory.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-eleanor-maguire-1024x683.webp)
Remembering Eleanor Maguire, ‘trailblazer’ of human memory
Maguire, mastermind of the famous London taxi-driver study, broadened the field and championed the importance of spatial representations in memory.
Brain gene expression syncs between bonded prairie voles
The overlapping activity in the animals’ nucleus accumbens may underpin pair bonding, a new preprint suggests.
![Two prairie voles touch snouts in a tank.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1200-prairie-voles-bonds-synchrony-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.png)
Brain gene expression syncs between bonded prairie voles
The overlapping activity in the animals’ nucleus accumbens may underpin pair bonding, a new preprint suggests.