Lauren Gravitz is a freelance writer and editor in Hershey, Pennsylvania, who covers health, medicine, science and the environment. Her stories have appeared in Nature, Aeon, The Economist, Technology Review, O, The Oprah Magazine and Discover, among others.
Lauren Gravitz
Freelance Writer
From this contributor
A brief history of precision self-scanning
When a researcher solved a logistical problem by going rogue, the idea proved remarkably infectious.
A brief history of precision self-scanning
By
Lauren Gravitz
21 January 2026 | 13 min read
At the intersection of autism and trauma
Autism and post-traumatic stress disorder share many traits, but the connection between them was largely overlooked until now.
Autism’s drug problem
Many people on the spectrum take multiple medications — which can lead to serious side effects and may not even be effective.
Lack of DNA modification creates hotspots for mutations
The absence of a chemical alteration called methylation on some stretches of DNA makes them especially prone to mutations, according to a paper published in PLoS Genetics in May.
Lack of DNA modification creates hotspots for mutations
By
Lauren Gravitz
28 June 2012 | 4 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Autism experts venture to set the narrative for INSAR, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 April.
Autism experts venture to set the narrative for INSAR, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 April.
By
Jill Adams
21 April 2026 | 2 min read
Frameshift: How Mia Thomaidou tapped a fellowship to connect neuroscience to criminal justice
As a fellow at the Dana Foundation, she merged two familiar passions and discovered a new one: science philanthropy.
Frameshift: How Mia Thomaidou tapped a fellowship to connect neuroscience to criminal justice
As a fellow at the Dana Foundation, she merged two familiar passions and discovered a new one: science philanthropy.
By
Katie Moisse
21 April 2026 | 6 min read
To understand decision-making, we need to truly challenge lab animals
Complex, multidimensional tasks that unfold over time could reveal how different brain areas work together to support decisions.
To understand decision-making, we need to truly challenge lab animals
Complex, multidimensional tasks that unfold over time could reveal how different brain areas work together to support decisions.
By
Chand Chandrasekaran
20 April 2026 | 6 min read