Virginia Hughes is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn, New York.
Virginia Hughes
Freelance Writer
Simons Foundation
From this contributor
Monkey missing Rett gene prompts primate research debate
Scientists have created a transgenic monkey modeling Rett syndrome, they announced yesterday at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C. This model and others sparked a lively discussion about the relative value of animal models in research.
Monkey missing Rett gene prompts primate research debate
By
Virginia Hughes
20 November 2014 | 4 min read
Diabetes drug is sweet cure for fragile X in fruit flies
The memory and sleep troubles that accompany fragile X syndrome originate in a glitch in insulin signaling, suggests an unpublished study of fruit flies presented today at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The study points to a widely available diabetes treatment for the syndrome.
Diabetes drug is sweet cure for fragile X in fruit flies
By
Virginia Hughes
19 November 2014 | 3 min read
Imaging lights up dynamics of neurons’ connections in mice
Researchers have developed a way to capture dynamic changes in the part of the neuron that sends out signals, they reported yesterday at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Imaging lights up dynamics of neurons’ connections in mice
By
Virginia Hughes
19 November 2014 | 3 min read
Cesarean birth alters immune system, social behavior in mice
Mice born via cesarean section show subtle social deficits and increased immune and stress responses, suggesting a link between microbe exposure during birth and behavior. Researchers presented the unpublished work today at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Cesarean birth alters immune system, social behavior in mice
By
Virginia Hughes
18 November 2014 | 4 min read
Deaf mouse study hints at gap between squeaks, speech
Do mice use their high-pitched vocalizations to communicate, just as people use speech? It’s not likely, according to an unpublished study of deaf mice presented yesterday at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Deaf mouse study hints at gap between squeaks, speech
By
Virginia Hughes
18 November 2014 | 3 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
‘Push-pull’ recipe for neural wiring used in multiple brain regions
A versatile pair of proteins steers neurons toward their targets and helps establish the brain’s sensory maps, new studies suggest.
‘Push-pull’ recipe for neural wiring used in multiple brain regions
A versatile pair of proteins steers neurons toward their targets and helps establish the brain’s sensory maps, new studies suggest.
By
Holly Barker
5 June 2026 | 5 min read
Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
By
Natalia Mesa
5 June 2026 | 5 min read
Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
The Burke Neurological Institute, which calls itself “the only research institute in the U.S. dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord,” ceased research operations on 22 May.
Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
The Burke Neurological Institute, which calls itself “the only research institute in the U.S. dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord,” ceased research operations on 22 May.
By
Lauren Schenkman
4 June 2026 | 5 min read