Ciara Curtin is a freelance science writer based in Atlanta. Her work focuses mostly on genetics and medicine. Ciara has an M.A. in molecular, cellular and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and one in journalism from New York University’s science writing program.
Ciara Curtin
From this contributor
Brain scans reveal subtypes of fragile X syndrome in boys
Differences in brain structure may distinguish boys with relatively mild features of fragile X syndrome from those with a severe form of the condition.
Brain scans reveal subtypes of fragile X syndrome in boys
By
Ciara Curtin
30 October 2017 | 4 min read
Data do-over backs dominance of genetics in autism risk
A reanalysis of data from more than 2 million children in Sweden suggests inherited genetic factors account for 83 percent of autism risk.
Data do-over backs dominance of genetics in autism risk
By
Ciara Curtin
19 October 2017 | 4 min read
Rat study ties Rett syndrome gene to pain processing
Mutations in MECP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, may alter the proportions and activity of sensory neurons in rats.
Rat study ties Rett syndrome gene to pain processing
By
Ciara Curtin
21 September 2017 | 4 min read
Autism drugs may alter brain connectivity
Children with autism who take certain medications have different patterns of brain connectivity than do unmedicated children with the condition.
Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes
Genes are bigger contributors to autism features than are environmental factors, according to a study of nearly 39,000 twins.
Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes
By
Ciara Curtin
6 July 2017 | 3 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Psychedelics muddy fMRI results: Q&A with Adam Bauer and Jonah Padawer-Curry
The drugs disrupt the link between vascular and neuronal activity, which complicates interpretations of fMRI data. Adopting a more holistic view of what constitutes brain activity may help, the researchers say.
Psychedelics muddy fMRI results: Q&A with Adam Bauer and Jonah Padawer-Curry
The drugs disrupt the link between vascular and neuronal activity, which complicates interpretations of fMRI data. Adopting a more holistic view of what constitutes brain activity may help, the researchers say.
By
Calli McMurray
29 October 2025 | 7 min read
First Pan-African neuroscience journal gets ready to launch
With lower-than-average article processing fees, and issues dedicated to topics important to the continent, the journal hopes to give African neuroscience research much-needed international visibility.
First Pan-African neuroscience journal gets ready to launch
With lower-than-average article processing fees, and issues dedicated to topics important to the continent, the journal hopes to give African neuroscience research much-needed international visibility.
By
Lauren Schenkman
28 October 2025 | 5 min listen
New method identifies two-hit genetic variation in autism; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 October.
New method identifies two-hit genetic variation in autism; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 October.
By
Jill Adams
28 October 2025 | 2 min read