Jef (an unusual nickname for Jennifer) is a freelance writer and editor covering the life sciences. She earned her master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses and spent the first 13 years of her career at The Scientist, where she edited features and oversaw the production of the publication’s digital and print magazines. In 2022, her feature on uterus transplantation earned first place in the trade category of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
Jef Akst
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Protein networks identified in autism-linked genetic deletion
The OTUD7A gene, which may account for some traits in people missing a segment of chromosome 15, appears to interact with several known autism-linked genes.
Protein networks identified in autism-linked genetic deletion
By
Jef Akst
28 February 2023 | 6 min read
Simons Foundation clinical research head Wendy Chung to lead Boston Children’s pediatrics department
Chung, a clinical and molecular geneticist, plans to continue serving as principal investigator of two large research projects involving cohorts of people with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Simons Foundation clinical research head Wendy Chung to lead Boston Children’s pediatrics department
By
Jef Akst
14 February 2023 | 5 min read
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
A new measure shows how greatly movement influences associations between traits and brain activity, revealing abundant false positives and false negatives.
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
By
Jef Akst
30 January 2023 | 6 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cortical evolution, ZBTB18, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 30 March.
Cortical evolution, ZBTB18, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 30 March.
By
Jill Adams
31 March 2026 | 2 min read
Letter asks Congress for nearly $500 million to sustain BRAIN Initiative
The one-time boost would help counter the planned end this year to one of the program’s long-standing funding streams, which will result in a $195 million drop in funding for fiscal year 2027.
Letter asks Congress for nearly $500 million to sustain BRAIN Initiative
The one-time boost would help counter the planned end this year to one of the program’s long-standing funding streams, which will result in a $195 million drop in funding for fiscal year 2027.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
31 March 2026 | 3 min read
How to teach programming in the age of AI
Scientists and educators are concerned about students using artificial intelligence to shortcut their learning. But there are also opportunities, especially when it comes to teaching neuroscience students how to code.
How to teach programming in the age of AI
Scientists and educators are concerned about students using artificial intelligence to shortcut their learning. But there are also opportunities, especially when it comes to teaching neuroscience students how to code.
By
Ashley Juavinett
30 March 2026 | 8 min read