Karen Weintraub is a freelance writer based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Karen Weintraub
Freelance Writer
Simons Foundation/Freelance
From this contributor
Technique follows calcium trail to track changes in signaling
Researchers have genetically engineered neurons to fluoresce in response to the calcium signals emitted when they fire, according to a study published 18 October in Neuron.
Technique follows calcium trail to track changes in signaling
By
Karen Weintraub
24 October 2012 | 2 min read
Researchers uncover new drug target for fragile X
Deleting an enzyme that regulates protein synthesis reverses some of the molecular and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, according to research published 2 October in Neuron.
Researchers uncover new drug target for fragile X
By
Karen Weintraub
4 October 2012 | 5 min read
Drug improves social deficits in fragile X syndrome
A drug called arbaclofen improves behavioral problems in people with fragile X syndrome, an inherited condition that can lead to mental retardation and autism, according to the results of a clinical trial published today in Science Translational Medicine. A second study published in the same journal showed that the drug restores normal brain function in a mouse model of the disorder.
Drug improves social deficits in fragile X syndrome
By
Karen Weintraub
19 September 2012 | 5 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Single gene sways caregiving circuits, behavior in male mice
Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
Single gene sways caregiving circuits, behavior in male mice
Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
By
Natalia Mesa
18 February 2026 | 6 min read
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
By
Federica Sgorbissa
18 February 2026 | 4 min read
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.
By
Seth Grant
17 February 2026 | 5 min read