Rahul Rao is a freelance science writer, graduate of New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program, and “Doctor Who” fan.
Rahul Rao
From this contributor
Web app tracks pupil size in people, mice
The app relies on artificial intelligence and could help researchers standardize studies of pupil differences in autistic people and in mouse models of autism.
New library catalogs the human gut microbiome
Researchers put hundreds of gut bacteria strains through their paces to chart the compounds each creates — and to help others explore the flora's potential contribution to autism.
New unified toolbox traces, analyzes neurons
‘SNT’ helps researchers sift through microscope images to reconstruct and analyze neurons and their connections.
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After NINDS director ouster, 40 neuroscience organizations press U.S. Congress for oversight over hiring process
A letter signed by the groups asks Congress to ensure that scientific expertise remains a priority in the search for a new director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
After NINDS director ouster, 40 neuroscience organizations press U.S. Congress for oversight over hiring process
A letter signed by the groups asks Congress to ensure that scientific expertise remains a priority in the search for a new director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
23 January 2026 | 3 min read
BRAIN Initiative researchers ‘dream big’ amid shifts in leadership, funding
But whether the initiative’s road map for the next decade is feasible remains an open question.
BRAIN Initiative researchers ‘dream big’ amid shifts in leadership, funding
But whether the initiative’s road map for the next decade is feasible remains an open question.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
23 January 2026 | 6 min read
Neuroscience, BRAIN Initiative gain budget in ‘bad’ NIH funding bill
The bill goes before the House of Representatives today and outlines increases for neuroscience-related research—including a 33 percent increase to the BRAIN Initiative—but maintains a multiyear spending approach that could limit the number of grants awarded overall.
Neuroscience, BRAIN Initiative gain budget in ‘bad’ NIH funding bill
The bill goes before the House of Representatives today and outlines increases for neuroscience-related research—including a 33 percent increase to the BRAIN Initiative—but maintains a multiyear spending approach that could limit the number of grants awarded overall.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
22 January 2026 | 4 min read