![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Spectrum90825.jpg)
Ann Griswold
Science writer
From this contributor
Sex and other foreign words
People with autism fall in love. They marry. They even (gasp) have sex. Yet these deeply human needs have mostly gone ignored by scientists.
Many people with harmful genetic variants show no ill effects
Most adults with genetic variants tied to certain conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, go undiagnosed.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/20170222-EHR844.jpg)
Many people with harmful genetic variants show no ill effects
This is a story of autism in small-town America
Rural living can be wonderful: community, friendly faces, a slower pace of life. But when there’s autism in the family, it can be tough.
This is a story of autism in small-town America
Autism, fragile X follow different developmental paths
Children with autism show an increase in restricted interests in their preteen years that is not seen in those with fragile X syndrome.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/20170202FragileXOlder1120.jpg)
Autism, fragile X follow different developmental paths
Autism gene may double as pain processor
SHANK3, a leading candidate gene for autism, helps sensory neurons in mice respond to pain.
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.