Gene Robinson is director of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Gene-Robinson-2017crop.jpg)
Gene Robinson
Director
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
From this contributor
‘Antisocial’ bees point to ancient roots for some autism genes
Honey bees that fail certain social tests have genetic profiles similar to those of people with autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170919-RobinsonBees1120Crop2.jpg)
‘Antisocial’ bees point to ancient roots for some autism genes
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.