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In-depth analysis of important topics in neuroscience
Putting a bright idea to the test
A surprising wave of findings in mice suggests that light and sound flickering at 40 hertz clears the brain of Alzheimer’s-disease-linked plaques. Several companies are hoping to prove it works in people.
![Research image of green and purple mouse brain slices.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/brainslices-landscape-1200-1024x692.webp)
Putting a bright idea to the test
A surprising wave of findings in mice suggests that light and sound flickering at 40 hertz clears the brain of Alzheimer’s-disease-linked plaques. Several companies are hoping to prove it works in people.
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.
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
![Illustration of a series of squares containing distinct patterns.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LLM-neuroscience-Inside1-1200-1024x692.webp)
Can an emerging field called ‘neural systems understanding’ explain the brain?
This mashup of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and even linguistics and philosophy of mind aims to crack the deep question of what "understanding" is, however un-brain-like its models may be.
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
![Close-up of a green glass slide embedded with dozens of tiny electrodes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/making-cancer-nervous-lede-1024x683.webp)
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
Uncertainty and excitement surround one company’s cell therapy for epilepsy
After 10 years of work, Neurona may have the data to quiet its skeptics. But its ongoing clinical trial will be the ultimate test.
![Photograph of a gloved hand pointing to a computer screen that is displaying an image of a mouse brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-neurona-lede.webp)
Uncertainty and excitement surround one company’s cell therapy for epilepsy
After 10 years of work, Neurona may have the data to quiet its skeptics. But its ongoing clinical trial will be the ultimate test.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
![Research video of a zebrafish larva (zoomed in on the gut) being given glucose.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/844-peripheral-nervous-system-deep-dive-autism-hp-size.gif)
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
The promise of telehealth in autism diagnoses
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning, in which autism clinicians had to redefine best practices and expand how children are evaluated. The remote assessments they developed may help solve a persistent problem: the long wait families endure to get a diagnosis in the United States.
![Coraline with her family at home in Pennsylvania.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/844-Lead-Hannah-autism-telehealth.jpg)
The promise of telehealth in autism diagnoses
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning, in which autism clinicians had to redefine best practices and expand how children are evaluated. The remote assessments they developed may help solve a persistent problem: the long wait families endure to get a diagnosis in the United States.
Autism research at the crossroads
The power struggle between researchers, autistic self-advocates and parents is threatening progress across the field.
![Three groups of people meet and mix at a crossroads.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Autism-crossroads-advocacy-844.jpg)
Autism research at the crossroads
The power struggle between researchers, autistic self-advocates and parents is threatening progress across the field.
40 under 40
In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.
![Large graphic numerals 40 in black on white.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/40under40Monserrat.jpg)
40 under 40
In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.
Hot topics in autism research in 2022
This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.
![A transplanted human organoid labeled with a fluorescent protein in a section of the rat brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844-hot-topics-autism-research-2022.png)
Hot topics in autism research in 2022
This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Skeptics challenge claims of Alzheimer’s disease transmission via growth hormone
Some people who received cadaver-derived human growth hormone may not have Alzheimer’s as previously suggested, according to a new Perspective article.
![Colored transmission electron micrograph (TEM) showing an amyloid plaque in a brain with Alzheimer’s disease.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Transmissible-Alzheimers-neuro-1200-1024x683.webp)
Skeptics challenge claims of Alzheimer’s disease transmission via growth hormone
Some people who received cadaver-derived human growth hormone may not have Alzheimer’s as previously suggested, according to a new Perspective article.
Neurons’ spikes may convey their whereabouts
The time lag between spurts of activity holds anatomical information, according to a preprint.
![Illustration of a neuron with cardinal directions superimposed over it as on a compass.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/compass-neuron-1200-1024x692.webp)
Neurons’ spikes may convey their whereabouts
The time lag between spurts of activity holds anatomical information, according to a preprint.
Task swap prompts data do-over for autism auditory perception study
The investigators retracted their paper after other researchers pointed out the error; the original team plans to redo the experiment, according to one author.
![Illustration of a red pencil with a white eraser that is being used against a white sheet of paper.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/correction-1200-1024x692.webp)
Task swap prompts data do-over for autism auditory perception study
The investigators retracted their paper after other researchers pointed out the error; the original team plans to redo the experiment, according to one author.