Holly Barker is a freelance writer specializing in biology, medicine and psychology. She has a Ph.D. in clinical neuroscience from King’s College London in the United Kingdom and a B.Sc. degree in biochemistry from the University of Manchester. She has previously written for Discover and BioNews. She is based in London.
Holly Barker
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Cell ‘fingerprints’ identify distinct cortical networks
These networks align with different assemblages of cells, a finding that could reveal how cellular diversity influences brain function, according to a new study.
Cell ‘fingerprints’ identify distinct cortical networks
By
Holly Barker
28 February 2025 | 4 min read
Structure of striatum varies by sex in autistic children
The changes could reflect different developmental trajectories between boys and girls with autism, a new study suggests.
Structure of striatum varies by sex in autistic children
By
Holly Barker
27 February 2025 | 4 min read
X marks the spot in search for autism variants
Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.
X marks the spot in search for autism variants
By
Holly Barker
16 January 2025 | 6 min read
Most neurons in mouse cortex defy functional categories
The majority of cells in the cerebral cortex are unspecialized, according to an unpublished analysis—and scientists need to take care in naming neurons, the researchers warn.
Most neurons in mouse cortex defy functional categories
By
Holly Barker
7 January 2025 | 5 min read
Impaired molecular ‘chaperone’ accompanies multiple brain changes, conditions
Rare genetic variants in a protein-folding complex contribute to a spectrum of phenotypes that encompass brain malformations, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, according to a new “hallmark” study.
Impaired molecular ‘chaperone’ accompanies multiple brain changes, conditions
By
Holly Barker
12 December 2024 | 5 min read
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Null and Noteworthy, relaunched: Probing a schizophrenia biomarker
This edition of Null and Noteworthy—the first for The Transmitter—highlights new findings about the auditory steady-state response in people with schizophrenia that, all within one study, somehow packed in a null result and a failed replication.
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Touch modulates one of two dueling types of hypothalamic neurons that, thermostat-like, balance an animal’s drive for social interaction.
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Ciara Greene on the quirks and complexities of human episodic memory
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