![A headshot of Annie Melchor](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/StephanieMelchorsciencewriter-scaled.jpeg)
Annie Melchor
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Expanding ‘little brain’ may have powered dinosaur flight
The cerebellum swelled in size before flight evolved among modern birds’ dinosaur ancestors, according to a new comparison of fossilized skulls and living birds.
![An image of a fossil](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-evolution-of-flight-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Expanding ‘little brain’ may have powered dinosaur flight
Cognition in brainless organisms is redefining what it means to learn
A slew of simple creatures demonstrate forms of learning, making the case for cognitive science to expand beyond the boundaries of the human mind.
![Illustration of a starfish against a white backdrop.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-featured-learning-without-a-brain-inside-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Cognition in brainless organisms is redefining what it means to learn
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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.