Ethics
Recent articles
Stories about scientific misconduct, retractions, debates over research standards, and more
Creating a more inclusive autism research community
The Transmitter rounds up efforts to improve equity and diversity both within the field and in research projects.
![Illustration of two hands of different colors holding up a piece of paper together.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/inclusivity-1200-1024x692.webp)
Creating a more inclusive autism research community
The Transmitter rounds up efforts to improve equity and diversity both within the field and in research projects.
Is it time to worry about brain chimeras?
Brains made of neurons from two species raise new concerns.
![Research image of a brain chimera containing neurons from rats and mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fig5F-black-1200-1024x692.webp)
Is it time to worry about brain chimeras?
Brains made of neurons from two species raise new concerns.
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
![an illustration of scientists parachuting](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ParachuteProb-1200-1024x692.webp)
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds
The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.
![A stack of papers with a red paper on top.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1200-brigidi-misconduct-publishing-transmitter-neuroscience-1-1024x683.webp)
‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds
The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.
FDA describes ‘objectionable conditions’ at New York State Psychiatric Institute
The facility’s institutional review board failed to report a 2021 incident and “serious and ongoing noncompliance” by a principal investigator, according to a letter released by the federal agency this week.
![Image of a red rectangle against a gray background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FDA-letter-1200-1024x692.webp)
FDA describes ‘objectionable conditions’ at New York State Psychiatric Institute
The facility’s institutional review board failed to report a 2021 incident and “serious and ongoing noncompliance” by a principal investigator, according to a letter released by the federal agency this week.
Knowledge gaps in cephalopod care could stall welfare standards
The U.S. National Institutes of Health wants to regulate research involving cephalopods. But there aren’t enough rigorous studies to base the regulations on, veteran cephalopod researchers say.
![Photograph of a cuttlefish underwater.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-inside_2-cephalopod-husbandry-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Knowledge gaps in cephalopod care could stall welfare standards
The U.S. National Institutes of Health wants to regulate research involving cephalopods. But there aren’t enough rigorous studies to base the regulations on, veteran cephalopod researchers say.
Spectrum 10K consultation report delayed
The U.K.-based genetics study launched the consultation more than a year ago in response to fierce criticism from autistic self-advocates.
![two people sit on opposite edges of a cliff](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spectrum10Kautism-1200-1024x692.webp)
Spectrum 10K consultation report delayed
The U.K.-based genetics study launched the consultation more than a year ago in response to fierce criticism from autistic self-advocates.
Autism journal retracts speech-recognition paper, pauses special issue
The journal’s publisher flagged problems in 11 papers that were part of a special issue on assistive technology in special education.
![A stack of papers with red tape.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-JADD-retraction-special-issue-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Autism journal retracts speech-recognition paper, pauses special issue
The journal’s publisher flagged problems in 11 papers that were part of a special issue on assistive technology in special education.
U.S. government requested inquiry into Alzheimer’s scientist over misconduct allegations
Gary Dunbar’s university ruled he was not guilty of research misconduct. Nine months later, the federal government demanded another look.
![An illustration of a hand holding a magnifying glass](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-dunbar-retractions-2-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
U.S. government requested inquiry into Alzheimer’s scientist over misconduct allegations
Gary Dunbar’s university ruled he was not guilty of research misconduct. Nine months later, the federal government demanded another look.
Physicians who oversaw diagnostic manual’s revision had pharma funding
Of the 92 U.S.-based physicians who worked on the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 55 of them have collectively received millions of dollars from drug and device companies, new research shows.
![An image of the DSM-5-TR where the S is replaced with a dollar sign](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-DSM-5-conflict-of-interest-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Physicians who oversaw diagnostic manual’s revision had pharma funding
Of the 92 U.S.-based physicians who worked on the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 55 of them have collectively received millions of dollars from drug and device companies, new research shows.
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.