Sarah DeWeerdt is a Seattle-based freelance science writer specializing in biology, medicine and the environment. Her work has appeared in publications including Nature, Newsweek, Conservation and Nautilus. She has been a regular contributor to The Transmitter since 2010, writing conference reports, news and Deep Dive articles.
Sarah DeWeerdt
Contributing writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Sensitive test of autism treatment effects could enable comparison of different interventions
In a first, researchers used the BOSCC measure to analyze data from multiple previous studies.
Sensitive test of autism treatment effects could enable comparison of different interventions
By
Sarah DeWeerdt
8 August 2024 | 5 min read
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
Whereas some mice display hypersensitivity to touch only as adults, others respond that way from birth.
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
By
Sarah DeWeerdt
21 March 2024 | 5 min read
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
Lacking autism-linked gene, female birds tune out favorite songs
The gene, FOXP1, influences an animal’s motivation to listen to social communication, a new study suggests.
Lacking autism-linked gene, female birds tune out favorite songs
By
Sarah DeWeerdt
21 April 2023 | 5 min read
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
By
Sarah DeWeerdt
13 April 2023 | 20 min read
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In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
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5 September 2024 | 5 min listen
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
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Olivia Gieger
4 September 2024 | 6 min read