Jacob Brogan is a journalist covering technology, medicine and culture. He holds a PhD in English Literature from Cornell University and lives in Washington, D.C.
Jacob Brogan
From this contributor
Spectrum Stories: Autism, in a manner of speaking
In this episode of “Spectrum Stories,” host Jacob Brogan explains how speech — from its rhythm to its emotional content — can differ in people with autism, making social communication difficult.
Spectrum Stories: Autism, in a manner of speaking
By
Jacob Brogan
19 April 2018 | 15 min listen
Spectrum Stories: Talking about autism mouse models
Scientists discuss the problems with using mice to study autism, and explain how the field might move forward.
Spectrum Stories: Talking about autism mouse models
By
Jacob Brogan
21 March 2018 | 17 min listen
Spectrum Stories: Camouflaging autism traits
In this episode, host Jacob Brogan explores how and why some women try to hide their autism. There are benefits to keeping the condition concealed, but this camouflaging comes with psychological costs.
Spectrum Stories: Camouflaging autism traits
By
Jacob Brogan
26 February 2018 | 17 min listen
Spectrum Stories: Shifting cultural views about autism abroad
In this episode, host Jacob Brogan talks to autism researchers and families with children on the spectrum in France and Ethiopia. However different the two countries may be, advocates in both places are working to overturn outdated beliefs about autism that blame parents and block access to evidence-backed services and treatment.
Spectrum Stories: Shifting cultural views about autism abroad
By
Jacob Brogan
30 January 2018 | 20 min listen
Spectrum Stories: Where autism meets sleeplessness
Scientists are trying to understand why people with autism so often have trouble sleeping, and how to help them.
Spectrum Stories: Where autism meets sleeplessness
By
Jacob Brogan
13 November 2017 | 17 min listen
Explore more from The Transmitter
The genome offers a recipe, not a blueprint, for the brain
During brain development, genes set the rules and turn the knobs; self-organization does much of the rest.
The genome offers a recipe, not a blueprint, for the brain
During brain development, genes set the rules and turn the knobs; self-organization does much of the rest.
By
Ila Fiete
2 November 2026 | 8 min read
Autism research involving monkeys contends with uphill battle
Macaques and marmosets recapitulate the condition’s core traits better than mice can, but funding uncertainty and challenges at primate centers in the United States could make this work difficult to continue.
Autism research involving monkeys contends with uphill battle
Macaques and marmosets recapitulate the condition’s core traits better than mice can, but funding uncertainty and challenges at primate centers in the United States could make this work difficult to continue.
By
Diana Kwon
2 November 2026 | 8 min read
When is self-organization a mechanism in brain development?
Retinal waves offer a powerful example of a self-organizing system that can build structure without external guidance. The field would do well to embrace such phenomena more broadly as a type of mechanistic explanation.
When is self-organization a mechanism in brain development?
Retinal waves offer a powerful example of a self-organizing system that can build structure without external guidance. The field would do well to embrace such phenomena more broadly as a type of mechanistic explanation.
By
P. Robin Hiesinger
2 November 2026 | 6 min read