Tara Santora is a former intern at Spectrum and a freelance journalist based in New York City. Tara has written about health and the environment for publications such as Psychology Today and Audubon magazine. They are also a graduate student at New York University’s Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program.
Tara Santora
From this contributor
U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome
A new blood test can identify within seven hours whether a person carries the genetic mutation underlying fragile X syndrome.
U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome
By
Tara Santora
8 April 2020 | 2 min read
New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism
A new technique allows researchers to analyze raw data across multiple studies that use electroencephalography.
New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism
By
Tara Santora
18 March 2020 | 2 min read
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
A new technique detects rare mutations that occur in only a subset of the body's cells.
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
By
Tara Santora
19 February 2020 | 2 min read
Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism
A new jumpsuit is fitted with sensors that can track and classify an infant's posture and movements.
Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism
By
Tara Santora
12 February 2020 | 2 min read
Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits
Electronic neurons made from silicon mimic brain cells and could be used to treat conditions such as autism.
Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits
By
Tara Santora
17 January 2020 | 2 min read
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A versatile pair of proteins steers neurons toward their targets and helps establish the brain’s sensory maps, new studies suggest.
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Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
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Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
The Burke Neurological Institute, which calls itself “the only research institute in the U.S. dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord,” ceased research operations on 22 May.
Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
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Lauren Schenkman
4 June 2026 | 5 min read