Elizabeth Preston is a science writer and editor in the Boston area. She has written for The Atlantic, Wired, Jezebel and the Boston Globe, among other publications. Her blog, Inkfish, is published by Discover.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large-nyc-cropped.jpg)
Elizabeth Preston
From this contributor
Test paints quick picture of intelligence in autism
A picture-based test is a fast and flexible way to assess intelligence in large studies of people with autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170324-PPVTcrop3-844.jpg)
Test paints quick picture of intelligence in autism
New atlases chart early brain growth in monkeys
A collection of brain scans from monkeys aged 2 weeks to 12 months reveals how their brain structures and nerve tracts develop over time.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170303InfantMacaque844.jpg)
New atlases chart early brain growth in monkeys
Work in progress: An inside look at autism’s job boom
Splashy corporate initiatives aim to hire people with autism, but finding and keeping work is still a struggle for those on the spectrum. Can virtual avatars and for-profit startups help?
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/20160720-Employment.HR_.1900jpg.jpg)
Work in progress: An inside look at autism’s job boom
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.