Maris Fessenden is a freelance journalist and illustrator based in Bozeman, Montana. They report and write about scientific methods, genetics, health, wildlife and ecology, and the intersection of science and art.
Maris Fessenden
Contributing writer
Freelance
From this contributor
Lightweight system captures brain activity while mice jump
A thin “micro-tether” and rotating connector facilitate uninterrupted, hours-long neural population recordings as the animals freely explore their environment.
Lightweight system captures brain activity while mice jump
By
Maris Fessenden
26 September 2023 | 3 min read
Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types
An online resource reveals all major cell types in the developing human brain during the period in which autism is thought to arise.
Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types
By
Maris Fessenden
20 September 2019 | 2 min read
New method dramatically scales up mapping of active genes in cells
A new technique enables scientists to isolate, and chart gene expression in, tens of thousands of cells at once.
New method dramatically scales up mapping of active genes in cells
By
Maris Fessenden
23 August 2019 | 2 min read
Online platform offers one-stop shop for studying brain circuits
A browser-based platform simulates functional neuronal circuits in the brain regions of several species.
Online platform offers one-stop shop for studying brain circuits
By
Maris Fessenden
2 August 2019 | 2 min read
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
Two new resources may aid the study of synapses, the junctions between neurons.
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
By
Maris Fessenden
19 July 2019 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
‘Slightly unhinged’ federal autism meeting portends unclear research priorities
The meeting last week sparked concerns about the latest Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s ability to perform its core function: developing a strategy to support autism research.
‘Slightly unhinged’ federal autism meeting portends unclear research priorities
The meeting last week sparked concerns about the latest Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s ability to perform its core function: developing a strategy to support autism research.
By
Daisy Yuhas
7 May 2026 | 4 min read
Ehud Ahissar offers a new kind of dualism for neuroscience
He explains how “perceptual dualism” can account for the way we communicate via digital symbols and perceive the world via analog brain processes.
Ehud Ahissar offers a new kind of dualism for neuroscience
He explains how “perceptual dualism” can account for the way we communicate via digital symbols and perceive the world via analog brain processes.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
6 May 2026 | 102 min listen
Microglia in hypothalamus help kick-start puberty
In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Microglia in hypothalamus help kick-start puberty
In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
By
Helena Kudiabor
6 May 2026 | 0 min watch