Helen Pearson is a science writer based in New York City.
Helen Pearson
Freelance writer
Simons Foundation
From this contributor
Father’s advanced age feeds autism risk
Are older fathers more likely to have children with autism? A series of epidemiological studies is giving credence to the idea, suggesting that, with age, sperm may accumulate damage that increases risk in the next generation.
Sense of ‘self’ impaired in autism
People with autism struggle to see their own role in social situations. That's the conclusion from the first study to scan individualsʼ brains while they interact with another person - a technique that could lead to a diagnostic tool.
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The swift reversal came after more than 1,000 scientists signed an open letter protesting the rules last week.
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What leeches reveal about movement
After encountering setbacks in her study of the neuromuscular system in vertebrates, Lidia Szczupak turned to leeches to explore how the nervous system coordinates movement.
What leeches reveal about movement
After encountering setbacks in her study of the neuromuscular system in vertebrates, Lidia Szczupak turned to leeches to explore how the nervous system coordinates movement.
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Claudia López Lloreda
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Novel assembloid illuminates serotonin changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion
The combination of a serotonin-producing organoid with an organoid based on the developing cerebral cortex offers a new way to investigate neuromodulation.
Novel assembloid illuminates serotonin changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion
The combination of a serotonin-producing organoid with an organoid based on the developing cerebral cortex offers a new way to investigate neuromodulation.
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Sarah DeWeerdt
30 April 2026 | 0 min watch