SFN 2018
Recent articles
Distinct brain pathway underlies ecstasy’s social effects
The drug popularly known as ecstasy may boost sociability through brain circuits distinct from that underlying its 'high.'
![A single ecstasy pill on a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181105-MDMA-844.jpg)
Distinct brain pathway underlies ecstasy’s social effects
The drug popularly known as ecstasy may boost sociability through brain circuits distinct from that underlying its 'high.'
Brain organoids show realistic neuronal firing rhythms
Brain organoids made from typical human stem cells begin to show synchronized neuronal firing patterns after growing in a dish for at least four months.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181104-Organoid-844.jpg)
Brain organoids show realistic neuronal firing rhythms
Brain organoids made from typical human stem cells begin to show synchronized neuronal firing patterns after growing in a dish for at least four months.
Invisible man? Move over for invisible mouse
A combination of chemical cocktails has created mice that are — yes — virtually invisible. And new imaging technology reveals the mice's underlying nerves and lymphatic system in unprecedented detail.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/invisiblemouse844.png)
Invisible man? Move over for invisible mouse
A combination of chemical cocktails has created mice that are — yes — virtually invisible. And new imaging technology reveals the mice's underlying nerves and lymphatic system in unprecedented detail.
Takeaways from SfN 2018
After the presentation of more than 14,000 abstracts over five days, the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in San Diego ended last week.
![View of San Diego in twilight.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181112-Takeaways-844.jpg)
Takeaways from SfN 2018
After the presentation of more than 14,000 abstracts over five days, the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in San Diego ended last week.
Monkey motion-capture reveals social behavior in 3-D
A monkey-sized jacket embedded with motion sensors — similar to technology used to animate creatures in movies — is helping researchers develop the common marmoset as a model for studying human social behavior.
![Marmoset in a clear cage in a lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181108-Marmo844.jpg)
Monkey motion-capture reveals social behavior in 3-D
A monkey-sized jacket embedded with motion sensors — similar to technology used to animate creatures in movies — is helping researchers develop the common marmoset as a model for studying human social behavior.
Drug duo delivers brain, behavioral benefits for fragile X syndrome
Administering a cholesterol drug alongside an antibiotic eases atypical behavior and restores the signaling balance in the brains of people with fragile X syndrome.
![Two hands hold two pills, one red and one blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181108-LovaMix-844.jpg)
Drug duo delivers brain, behavioral benefits for fragile X syndrome
Administering a cholesterol drug alongside an antibiotic eases atypical behavior and restores the signaling balance in the brains of people with fragile X syndrome.
Mouse, human ‘co-clinical’ trials could speed autism drug discovery
A team of researchers is trialing a fast approach to autism drug development: simultaneously testing candidates in people and in mice.
![white mouse in a man's hands, closeup.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181108-MouseTest844.jpg)
Mouse, human ‘co-clinical’ trials could speed autism drug discovery
A team of researchers is trialing a fast approach to autism drug development: simultaneously testing candidates in people and in mice.
Webbing around neurons altered in autism mouse models
Lattice-like structures that surround neurons may be overly abundant — or scarce — in brain regions of three autism mouse models.
![Delicate network of neurons and synapses.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181108-Perineuronal-844.jpg)
Webbing around neurons altered in autism mouse models
Lattice-like structures that surround neurons may be overly abundant — or scarce — in brain regions of three autism mouse models.
Study tracks social brain development in African infants
An inexpensive, noninvasive method can track social brain development in infants in low-resource countries.
![Infant in fnirs cap, wrapped in blankets.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181107-Gambia877.jpg)
Study tracks social brain development in African infants
An inexpensive, noninvasive method can track social brain development in infants in low-resource countries.
Gene expression ‘barcode’ maps cells in brain tissue
A new technique transforms the previous broad-brush picture of a brain region into a pointillist masterpiece of neuronal subpopulations associated with specific activities.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20191107-Merfish-844.jpg)
Gene expression ‘barcode’ maps cells in brain tissue
A new technique transforms the previous broad-brush picture of a brain region into a pointillist masterpiece of neuronal subpopulations associated with specific activities.
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.