Emily is a former editorial intern at Spectrum and a graduate student in New York University’s Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program. Previously, Emily worked on aging research in Boston, Massachusetts. She has a B.A. in chemistry from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Emily Harris
Former news intern
Spectrum
From this contributor
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
By
Emily Harris
17 July 2023 | 4 min read
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
By
Emily Harris
22 June 2023 | 4 min read
Null and Noteworthy: Reinforcing rigor; medication medley
This month’s newsletter highlights findings on the use of three medication types during pregnancy.
Null and Noteworthy: Reinforcing rigor; medication medley
By
Emily Harris
14 December 2022 | 4 min read
Null and Noteworthy: COVID-19 conclusions; diagnosis duplication; oxytocin again
This month’s newsletter explores the pandemic’s effects on autism rates, trends in co-occurring mental health conditions, and the impact of intranasal oxytocin.
Null and Noteworthy: COVID-19 conclusions; diagnosis duplication; oxytocin again
By
Emily Harris
10 November 2022 | 5 min read
Null and Noteworthy: Medication timing; oxytocin amounts; sensory sameness
Parents’ health, treatment dosages and sensory perception feature in this month’s crop of null and replicated results.
Null and Noteworthy: Medication timing; oxytocin amounts; sensory sameness
By
Emily Harris
13 October 2022 | 5 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Home makeover helps rats better express themselves: Q&A with Raven Hickson and Peter Kind
The “Habitat”—a complex environment with space for large social groups—expands the behavioral repertoire of rodent models, Hickson and Kind say.
Home makeover helps rats better express themselves: Q&A with Raven Hickson and Peter Kind
The “Habitat”—a complex environment with space for large social groups—expands the behavioral repertoire of rodent models, Hickson and Kind say.
By
Holly Barker
4 December 2025 | 0 min watch
Tatiana Engel explains how to connect high-dimensional neural circuitry with low-dimensional cognitive functions
Neuroscientists have long sought to understand the relationship between structure and function in the vast connectivity and activity patterns in the brain. Engel discusses her modeling approach to discovering the hidden patterns that connect the two.
Tatiana Engel explains how to connect high-dimensional neural circuitry with low-dimensional cognitive functions
Neuroscientists have long sought to understand the relationship between structure and function in the vast connectivity and activity patterns in the brain. Engel discusses her modeling approach to discovering the hidden patterns that connect the two.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
3 December 2025 | 1 min read
Beyond the algorithmic oracle: Rethinking machine learning in behavioral neuroscience
Machine learning should not be a replacement for human judgment but rather help us embrace the various assumptions and interpretations that shape behavioral research.
Beyond the algorithmic oracle: Rethinking machine learning in behavioral neuroscience
Machine learning should not be a replacement for human judgment but rather help us embrace the various assumptions and interpretations that shape behavioral research.
By
Nedah Nemati, Matthew Whiteway
3 December 2025 | 7 min read