Brainstem

Recent articles

Brainstem neurons add new element to ‘already complex’ anxiety circuitry

Precise optogenetic modulation of a medullary neuron population reveals their role in anxiety-like behaviors.

By Sarah Thau
19 August 2026 | 0 min watch
Research image showing resting-state functional connectivity in the human red nucleus.

‘Ancient’ brainstem structure evolved beyond basic motor control

The human red nucleus may also help coordinate action, reward and motivated behavior, a new study suggests.

By Sydney Wyatt
16 May 2025 | 5 min read
Research image of neurons in the nucleus of the mouse solitary tract.

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
Research image of tau proteins in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Supersized version of Alzheimer’s protein avoids clumping in brain

“Big tau” may explain why some brain regions, such as the cerebellum and brainstem, are largely spared from neurodegeneration, even though tau is expressed throughout the nervous system.

By Charles Q. Choi
16 August 2024 | 6 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Cortical organoids.

Five-year-old human brain organoids aged on schedule

The cultured spheres typically mimic only prenatal development, but the five-year-old ones grown in Paola Arlotta’s lab acquired postnatal features.

By Claudia López Lloreda
19 August 2026 | 5 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

Links between tuberous sclerosis complex and autism, and more

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

By Jill Adams
18 August 2026 | 1 min read