Biomarkers
Recent articles
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.
A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman
A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.
![Stock photograph of a women and her young child at a clinician’s office.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/evaluation-1200-1024x692.webp)
A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman
A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.
Data access changes to UK Biobank stir unease in neuroscientists
“I feel a little bit in limbo,” says neuroscientist Stephanie Noble, who has paused a study using Biobank data after the repository shifted from a data download to a cloud-only access model.
![A digitally distorted image of a file folder against a blue gradient background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/funkydata-1200-1024x692.webp)
Data access changes to UK Biobank stir unease in neuroscientists
“I feel a little bit in limbo,” says neuroscientist Stephanie Noble, who has paused a study using Biobank data after the repository shifted from a data download to a cloud-only access model.
Crowdsourcing to curb aggression in autism: Q&A with Matthew Goodwin
To accelerate the development of real-time behavioral prediction technology, a research team is sharing data and seeking new collaborators.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goodwin-Empatica-1200-1024x692.webp)
Crowdsourcing to curb aggression in autism: Q&A with Matthew Goodwin
To accelerate the development of real-time behavioral prediction technology, a research team is sharing data and seeking new collaborators.
Autism subgroups converge on cell growth pathway
Faulty mTOR signaling, implicated in syndromic forms of autism, also hinders cells grown from people with idiopathic autism or autism-linked deletions on chromosome 16.
![Neural progenitor cells in a culture medium, color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph (SEM).](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/844-autism-forms-converge-cell-growth-pathway.jpg)
Autism subgroups converge on cell growth pathway
Faulty mTOR signaling, implicated in syndromic forms of autism, also hinders cells grown from people with idiopathic autism or autism-linked deletions on chromosome 16.
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
![A slice of a cerebellum.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-lede-cerebellar-plasticity-autism-1024x692.png)
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
New tablet-based tools to spot autism draw excitement — and questions
Handheld devices promise to bring autism detection home, but many researchers urge caution.
![A child uses a tablet device](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-autism-app-tablet-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x683.webp)
New tablet-based tools to spot autism draw excitement — and questions
Handheld devices promise to bring autism detection home, but many researchers urge caution.
Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Looking at eye tracking’s potential for clinical trials
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter explores how eye tracking might be used beyond helping with diagnosis, among other drug development news.
![A hand reaches from above to add a pill to a stack that is resting against the x-axis of a graph.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/844-going-on-trial-autism-drugs-01.jpg)
Looking at eye tracking’s potential for clinical trials
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter explores how eye tracking might be used beyond helping with diagnosis, among other drug development news.
Common genetic variants shape the structure of the cortex
A genome-wide association study lays a foundation for deeper investigation of these variants in neurodevelopmental conditions.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-final-1.png)
Common genetic variants shape the structure of the cortex
A genome-wide association study lays a foundation for deeper investigation of these variants in neurodevelopmental conditions.
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.