Ciara Curtin is a freelance science writer based in Atlanta. Her work focuses mostly on genetics and medicine. Ciara has an M.A. in molecular, cellular and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and one in journalism from New York University’s science writing program.
Ciara Curtin
From this contributor
Brain scans reveal subtypes of fragile X syndrome in boys
Differences in brain structure may distinguish boys with relatively mild features of fragile X syndrome from those with a severe form of the condition.
Brain scans reveal subtypes of fragile X syndrome in boys
Data do-over backs dominance of genetics in autism risk
A reanalysis of data from more than 2 million children in Sweden suggests inherited genetic factors account for 83 percent of autism risk.
Data do-over backs dominance of genetics in autism risk
Rat study ties Rett syndrome gene to pain processing
Mutations in MECP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, may alter the proportions and activity of sensory neurons in rats.
Rat study ties Rett syndrome gene to pain processing
Autism drugs may alter brain connectivity
Children with autism who take certain medications have different patterns of brain connectivity than do unmedicated children with the condition.
Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes
Genes are bigger contributors to autism features than are environmental factors, according to a study of nearly 39,000 twins.
Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes
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Single gene sways caregiving circuits, behavior in male mice
Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
Single gene sways caregiving circuits, behavior in male mice
Brain levels of the agouti gene determine whether African striped mice are doting fathers—or infanticidal ones.
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
Inner retina of birds powers sight sans oxygen
The energy-intensive neural tissue relies instead on anaerobic glucose metabolism provided by the pecten oculi, a structure unique to the avian eye.
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.
Neuroscience needs single-synapse studies
Studying individual synapses has the potential to help neuroscientists develop new theories, better understand brain disorders and reevaluate 70 years of work on synaptic transmission plasticity.