Timothy Roberts is Oberkircher Family Chair in Pediatric Radiology and vice-chair of radiology research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is also professor of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/authors/timroberts.jpg)
Timothy Roberts
Professor of radiology
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
From this contributor
In quest for autism biomarkers, this technique has magnetic appeal
To find biological markers of autism, scientists would be wise to measure the brain's electrical activity along with the resulting magnetic fields.
![Portrait of Dr. Timothy Roberts](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Viewpoint_RobertsLEDE844.jpg)
In quest for autism biomarkers, this technique has magnetic appeal
When tracking brain activity, timing can be key
A brain imaging technique called magnetoencephalography characterizes not just what is happening in the brain, but also where and when, making it ideally suited for studying autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/megeegtemplate-featured-04.jpg)
When tracking brain activity, timing can be key
Imaging biomarkers could signal autism spectrum disorder
There does not appear to be a single genetic or environmental cause of autism, and given the heterogeneity of symptoms, coming up with a clear yes or no test for autism is challenging. Timothy Roberts argues that imaging and electrophysiology are key in the search for autism biomarkers.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/viewpoint/469114.jpg)
Imaging biomarkers could signal autism spectrum disorder
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Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
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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.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
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![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.