![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stephan-headshots-170.jpg)
Stephan J. Sanders
Assistant professor
University of California, San Francisco
From this contributor
Family groups play key role in advancing autism research
Families need more support from researchers in order for their heroic efforts to be optimally effective.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SandersVP1120.jpg)
Family groups play key role in advancing autism research
In search of factors that shield girls against autism
Identifying the factors that protect girls from autism may help us understand and possibly treat the disorder.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1120VPInSearchofFactors-844.jpg)
In search of factors that shield girls against autism
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.