Margaret McCarthy is James & Carolyn Frenkil Endowed Dean’s Professor and chair of pharmacology at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
![Portrait of Margaret McCarthy](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/McCarthy_Margaret-cc.jpg)
Margaret McCarthy
Professor
University of Maryland
From this contributor
Extreme male brain theory of autism rests on shaky ground
New data linking autism to steroid levels in pregnant women are inconsistent with basic facts about the biochemistry of steroids.
![Brain diagram shows areas where steroids may affect the brain](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191001Steroidogenesis844.jpg)
Extreme male brain theory of autism rests on shaky ground
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.