Nora Bradford is a California-based freelance writer specializing in neuroscience, marine biology and biomedical sciences. She has a B.S. in neuroscience, psychology and philosophy from the University of Chicago and is completing a Ph.D. in cognitive science at University of California, Irvine.
Nora Bradford
Contributing Writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
By
Nora Bradford
16 February 2023 | 5 min read
Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects
Within the 16p region of the genome, the two types of variants similarly decrease neuronal gene expression — an effect that may reflect their spatial relationship.
Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects
By
Nora Bradford
1 December 2022 | 4 min read
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
A well-studied brain response to sound appears earlier than usual in young children with autism.
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
By
Nora Bradford
16 September 2022 | 3 min read
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Despite evidence for a role in plasticity and other crucial functions, many neuroscientists still view these proteins as “brain goop.” The field needs technical advances and a shift in scientific thinking to move beyond this outdated perspective.
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Huntington’s disease gene variants past a certain size poison select cells
The findings—providing “the next step in the whole pathway”—help explain the disease’s late onset and offer hope that it has an extended therapeutic window.
Huntington’s disease gene variants past a certain size poison select cells
The findings—providing “the next step in the whole pathway”—help explain the disease’s late onset and offer hope that it has an extended therapeutic window.
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Angie Voyles Askham
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X marks the spot in search for autism variants
Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.
X marks the spot in search for autism variants
Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.
By
Holly Barker
16 January 2025 | 6 min read