Emily Anthes is a freelance science journalist and author based in Brooklyn, New York. She writes news stories for The Transmitter. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Nature and elsewhere. Her book, “Frankenstein’s Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts,” was published in March 2013. She has a master’s degree in science writing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in the history of science and medicine from Yale.
![Headshot of Emily Anthes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Emily-Anthes_4054sm2_170x170_acf_cropped.jpg)
Emily Anthes
Contributing Writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Extra proteins alter microglia and behavior in mice
The overproduction of proteins in brain cells called microglia causes social impairments, cognitive deficits and repetitive behavior in male mice, a new study has found.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SynapesMicroglia844.jpg)
Extra proteins alter microglia and behavior in mice
Popular autism screening tool is unreliable, study suggests
A short, widely used screening survey for autism called the AQ-10 may not be reliable for measuring traits of the condition in the general population.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200402-Psychometric844.jpg)
Popular autism screening tool is unreliable, study suggests
Little-known gene tied to autism, developmental delay
Rare mutations in a gene called BAZ2B are associated with various conditions of brain development, including autism.
![Toddler is balancing with help from mom](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200324-BAZ2B-844.jpg)
Little-known gene tied to autism, developmental delay
Sponsors of clinical trials may report data late or never
Many clinical trials, including those related to autism, do not report their results within a year of their completion.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200220-ClinicalTrial-844.jpg)
Sponsors of clinical trials may report data late or never
Autism-linked gene variants increase odds of attention deficit
A collection of rare genetic variants associated with autism and schizophrenia also seem to increase a person's odds of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
![Strand of DNA with bases being deleted](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20191112-ADHD_CNV-844.jpg)
Autism-linked gene variants increase odds of attention deficit
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.