Shaun Hussain is assistant clinical professor of pediatrics and director of the Infantile Spasms Program at the University of California, Los Angeles.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hussain-Shaun.jpg)
Shaun Hussain
Director of the Infantile Spasms Program
University of California, Los Angeles
From this contributor
Federal chokehold on marijuana stymies studies on epilepsy, autism
Scientists' desire for evidence-based medical inquiry runs headlong into an apparently immovable obstacle: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
![Gate keepers with long documents and spears in front of fortress full of marijuana leaves.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180911-MarijuanaHussain-844.jpg)
Federal chokehold on marijuana stymies studies on epilepsy, autism
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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.