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
Explore more from The Transmitter
What to do when traditional mechanistic approaches no longer work
Many complex behaviors have stubbornly resisted mechanistic explanations. Deciphering them will require new approaches—and perhaps a new concept of “understanding.”
What to do when traditional mechanistic approaches no longer work
Many complex behaviors have stubbornly resisted mechanistic explanations. Deciphering them will require new approaches—and perhaps a new concept of “understanding.”
By
Bence Ölveczky
19 October 2026 | 8 min read
University probe leads to retraction of four neural tube studies
The University of Maryland conducted an internal investigation that identified image duplications and other data integrity issues in the studies, according to the retraction notices.
University probe leads to retraction of four neural tube studies
The University of Maryland conducted an internal investigation that identified image duplications and other data integrity issues in the studies, according to the retraction notices.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
16 October 2026 | 6 min read
Highly cited autism paper earns expression of concern over data duplications
The notice, published in Nature last week, also addressed an image duplication identified by a prominent research-integrity sleuth.
Highly cited autism paper earns expression of concern over data duplications
The notice, published in Nature last week, also addressed an image duplication identified by a prominent research-integrity sleuth.
By
Madeline Shaw
16 October 2026 | 4 min read