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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/799A4349-MichaelFergensonBWcrop-Cropped.jpg)
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.
![Many mouths making conversation, with speech bubbles in red and blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CommunitySpeech-844.jpg)
Neural recordings in freely moving mice; MBD5 variant
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.
![Speech bubble formed by a network of communication](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/844_CommunityNL.jpg)
Neuropixels probe; sex differences in brain anatomy
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.
![Many mouths making conversation, with speech bubbles in red and blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CommunitySpeech-844.jpg)
Cerebral cortex genetics; calcium imaging of astrocytes
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.
![Speech bubble formed by a network of communication](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/844_CommunityNL.jpg)
Mitochondria and anxiety; brain structure in autism
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.
![Many mouths making conversation, with speech bubbles in red and blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CommunitySpeech-844.jpg)
Cognitive mapping; PTEN in peripheral nerves
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.