Alla Katsnelson is a freelance writer based in Southampton, Massachusetts.
![Headshot of Alla Katsnelson.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/300-alla-katsnelson.webp)
Alla Katsnelson
Contributing writer
The Transmitter
From this contributor
Neural-network analysis posits how brains build skills
Discrete computational subunits may offer mix-and-match motifs for cognition.
![Illustration of three-dimensional blocks with wavy edges assembled together like lego bricks.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Analysis_1200-1024x683.webp)
Neural-network analysis posits how brains build skills
Autism-linked proteins mingle with other molecules in overlapping networks
A massive new set of interaction maps illuminates especially high convergence in protein networks related to autism and shows how mutations could disrupt those networks.
![A diagram of autism-linked genes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-spectrum-autism-protein-atlas-1024x683.webp)
Autism-linked proteins mingle with other molecules in overlapping networks
Sheena Josselyn and memories lost, found and created
Her hunt for the engram opened a new avenue in memory research.
![Portrait of scientist Sheena Josselyn behind a window, with a reflection over her face.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SheenaJosselynLedehorizontal200-1024x692.webp)
Sheena Josselyn and memories lost, found and created
AI model helps decode brain activity underlying conversation
A text-predicting chatbot parses text from conversations in a way that parallels brain-activity patterns associated with speech production and comprehension.
![Research image of brain activity during conversation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/844-AI-model-brain-activity-conversation-autism.png.png)
AI model helps decode brain activity underlying conversation
Autism-linked chromatin regulators may moonlight as microtubule influencers
Five autism-linked genes widely known as chromatin regulators appear to also shape the cell’s internal skeleton.
![Research image of the protein CHD2.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/microtubule-biology-autism-844.jpg)
Autism-linked chromatin regulators may moonlight as microtubule influencers
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.