Rachel Nuwer is a freelance science journalist who regularly contributes to The New York Times, Nature, Scientific American and more. Her latest book is “I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World.” She is also adjunct professor of science journalism at New York University.
Rachel Nuwer
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Lisa Croen: Autism’s first dedicated epidemiologist
Inspired by watching her autistic nephew grow up, Croen has also been an advocate for bolstering research and services for autistic adults.
Lisa Croen: Autism’s first dedicated epidemiologist
By
Rachel Nuwer
28 March 2022 | 9 min read
Finding strengths in autism
Autism comprises a set of difficulties, but growing evidence suggests that certain abilities also define the condition.
Meet the autistic scientists redefining autism research
Growing ranks of researchers on the spectrum are overcoming barriers — from neurotypical bias to sensory sensitivities — to shape autism science.
Meet the autistic scientists redefining autism research
By
Rachel Nuwer
10 June 2020 | 18 min read
Growing old with autism
For many autistic adults, the golden years are tarnished by poor health, poverty and, in some cases, homelessness. Their plight reveals huge gaps in care.
Mouse study links gene to some autism symptoms
Mice missing a gene called PTCHD1 in a deep-seated brain structure have autism-like symptoms that ease with treatment.
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Reimagining Mexico’s brain bank
Since Alzheimer’s disease researcher José Luna-Muñoz assumed leadership of the facility—Latin America’s oldest—in 2011, he has been acquiring additional tissue types and is working to expand donor recruitment to rural areas.
Reimagining Mexico’s brain bank
Since Alzheimer’s disease researcher José Luna-Muñoz assumed leadership of the facility—Latin America’s oldest—in 2011, he has been acquiring additional tissue types and is working to expand donor recruitment to rural areas.
By
Alejandra Manjarrez
28 August 2026 | 7 min read
Revealing how crabs make their escape
Houdini-like Neohelice granulata offers a rare opportunity to record intracellularly from awake, behaving animals.
Revealing how crabs make their escape
Houdini-like Neohelice granulata offers a rare opportunity to record intracellularly from awake, behaving animals.
By
Natalia Mesa
28 August 2026 | 0 min watch
Discovering how butterflies choose their mate
Heliconius butterflies offer a window into the neural circuits and genes involved in mate color preference.
Discovering how butterflies choose their mate
Heliconius butterflies offer a window into the neural circuits and genes involved in mate color preference.
By
Natalia Mesa
28 August 2026 | 0 min watch