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.
![Headshot of Maris Fessenden.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MarisFessendenBio-scaled-1.jpg)
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
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.
![colorful clusters of cells](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190920-CellAtlas844.jpg)
Atlas of developing brain reveals rainbow of cell types
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.
![colorful groups of cell types](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20190823-ATAC844.jpg)
New method dramatically scales up mapping of active genes in cells
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.
![A large neuron](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20190802-openSource844.jpg)
Online platform offers one-stop shop for studying brain circuits
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
Two new resources may aid the study of synapses, the junctions between neurons.
![Synapses in brain organoids](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/syngap844.jpg)
Database, lab tricks may crack secrets of the synapse
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.