Michael Fergensen was Spectrum’s engagement editor from 2022 to 2023. He was responsible for bringing Spectrum‘s award-winning content into the conversation on social media, producing webinars, and other efforts to engage with autism researchers and clinicians. Previously, Michael was social media manager at MedPage Today and, before that, an editorial assistant at Bearport Publishing. He holds a B.A. in English from SUNY Albany and a B.A. in teaching English from Brooklyn College.
Michael Fergenson
Former Engagement Editor
From this contributor
Neural recordings in freely moving mice; MBD5 variant
Researchers took to social media to discuss a new tool for recording brain activity in freely moving mice and a study linking a mutation in the gene MBD5 to epilepsy and intellectual disability. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.
Neural recordings in freely moving mice; MBD5 variant
By
Michael Fergenson
10 September 2023 | 4 min read
Neuropixels probe; sex differences in brain anatomy
Researchers on social media reacted to a new version of the Neuropixels probe and a study of sex differences in the brain. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.
Neuropixels probe; sex differences in brain anatomy
By
Michael Fergenson
3 September 2023 | 5 min read
Cerebral cortex genetics; calcium imaging of astrocytes
This week on social media, researchers discussed a genome-wide association study of the human cerebral cortex, how astrocytes integrate calcium signals, and more.
Cerebral cortex genetics; calcium imaging of astrocytes
By
Michael Fergenson
27 August 2023 | 5 min read
Mitochondria and anxiety; brain structure in autism
Researchers reacted to a study of brain mitochondria and behavior in mice and a study of brain structure differences in autism and other conditions. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.
Mitochondria and anxiety; brain structure in autism
By
Michael Fergenson
20 August 2023 | 4 min read
Cognitive mapping; PTEN in peripheral nerves
Researchers took to social media to discuss how cognitive maps form during learning. There was also talk about a study of peripheral nerves in mice missing PTEN, an autism-linked gene. That and more in this week’s Community Newsletter.
Cognitive mapping; PTEN in peripheral nerves
By
Michael Fergenson
13 August 2023 | 4 min read
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Maternity induces lasting gene-expression changes in mouse brains
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Maternity induces lasting gene-expression changes in mouse brains
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Amber Dance
12 June 2026 | 5 min read
IQ’s link to brain structure, function in children may be a mirage
A child’s socioeconomic status, screen time and amount of sleep all show stronger associations with measures of brain structure and function, according to an imaging study of nearly 12,000 9- to 10-year-olds.
IQ’s link to brain structure, function in children may be a mirage
A child’s socioeconomic status, screen time and amount of sleep all show stronger associations with measures of brain structure and function, according to an imaging study of nearly 12,000 9- to 10-year-olds.
By
Natalia Mesa
11 June 2026 | 5 min read
When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 2: “You need to go to college”
With just a high school equivalency degree and struggling as a single mother, Tempest McDonald is forced to shift her priorities.
When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 2: “You need to go to college”
With just a high school equivalency degree and struggling as a single mother, Tempest McDonald is forced to shift her priorities.
By
Brady Huggett
11 June 2026 | 28 min listen