Michael Fergenson

Former Engagement Editor

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.

From this contributor

Spectrum

By Michael Fergenson

10 September 2023

4 min read

Many mouths making conversation, with speech bubbles in red and blue.

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.

Spectrum

Neural recordings in freely moving mice; MBD5 variant

By Michael Fergenson

10 September 2023 | 4 min read

Spectrum

By Michael Fergenson

3 September 2023

5 min read

Speech bubble formed by a network of communication

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.

Spectrum

Neuropixels probe; sex differences in brain anatomy

By Michael Fergenson

3 September 2023 | 5 min read

Spectrum

By Michael Fergenson

27 August 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.

Spectrum

Cerebral cortex genetics; calcium imaging of astrocytes

By Michael Fergenson

27 August 2023 | 5 min read

Spectrum

By Michael Fergenson

20 August 2023

4 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.

Spectrum

Mitochondria and anxiety; brain structure in autism

By Michael Fergenson

20 August 2023 | 4 min read

Spectrum

By Michael Fergenson

13 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.

Spectrum