Melissa Mello is community health program supervisor at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2013-07-11_m_mello_13.LR_.jpg)
Melissa Mello
Community health program supervisor
University of California, Davis MIND Institute
From this contributor
Questions for Nordahl, Mello: Scans for children with autism
Techniques used in behavioral interventions could help scientists scan the brains of children who have both autism and intellectual disability.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Autism_ID_revised.jpg)
Questions for Nordahl, Mello: Scans for children with autism
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.