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 | 0 min watch
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
Number of autism-linked genes more than triples in new analyses
In addition to a new preprint that expands the list of genes tied to the condition, two related analyses reveal how variants in those genes contribute to genetic susceptibility.
Number of autism-linked genes more than triples in new analyses
In addition to a new preprint that expands the list of genes tied to the condition, two related analyses reveal how variants in those genes contribute to genetic susceptibility.
By
Holly Barker
8 October 2026 | 6 min read
How does a control theorist explain cognition?
Maxim Raginsky draws on control theory, engineering and philosophy to explore what makes biological brains intelligent, what artificial intelligence is missing, and what principles underlie biological autonomy.
How does a control theorist explain cognition?
Maxim Raginsky draws on control theory, engineering and philosophy to explore what makes biological brains intelligent, what artificial intelligence is missing, and what principles underlie biological autonomy.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
7 October 2026 | 1 min read
Holographic mesoscope reads, writes from different cortical regions simultaneously
The tool could help reveal how information transmission between areas relates to perception, cognition and behavior.
Holographic mesoscope reads, writes from different cortical regions simultaneously
The tool could help reveal how information transmission between areas relates to perception, cognition and behavior.
By
Simon Makin
7 October 2026 | 0 min watch