2019: Year in review
Recent articles
Five hot topics in autism research in 2019
This year’s hot topics in autism research center around brain organoids, heart rate, the gut microbiome, treatment timing and early detection.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190510-Organoid1120FINAL_844.jpg)
Five hot topics in autism research in 2019
This year’s hot topics in autism research center around brain organoids, heart rate, the gut microbiome, treatment timing and early detection.
In case you missed them: Spectrum’s standout stories from 2019
Here are seven Spectrum stories from this year that deserve a close look.
![Illustration of a storefront with stem cell treatments](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Stem844.jpg)
In case you missed them: Spectrum’s standout stories from 2019
Here are seven Spectrum stories from this year that deserve a close look.
Photographer captures intimate scenes of daily life with autism
An award-winning photography series offers a close look at one autistic person coming of age in New York City.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LiamProud844.jpg)
Photographer captures intimate scenes of daily life with autism
An award-winning photography series offers a close look at one autistic person coming of age in New York City.
Notable papers in autism research in 2019
This year’s top papers deepen our understanding of autism’s genetics and reveal mixed results from trials of autism therapies.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/10.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research in 2019
This year’s top papers deepen our understanding of autism’s genetics and reveal mixed results from trials of autism therapies.
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
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.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
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.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
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.