Helen Pearson is a science writer based in New York City.
Helen Pearson
Freelance writer
Simons Foundation
From this contributor
Father’s advanced age feeds autism risk
Are older fathers more likely to have children with autism? A series of epidemiological studies is giving credence to the idea, suggesting that, with age, sperm may accumulate damage that increases risk in the next generation.
Sense of ‘self’ impaired in autism
People with autism struggle to see their own role in social situations. That's the conclusion from the first study to scan individualsʼ brains while they interact with another person - a technique that could lead to a diagnostic tool.
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Argentine protesters condemn science funding shortfall
Demonstrators across the country called for the government to increase public university salaries and funding for scientific research.
Argentine protesters condemn science funding shortfall
Demonstrators across the country called for the government to increase public university salaries and funding for scientific research.
By
Claudia López Lloreda, Natalia Mesa, Anita Pouchard Serra
15 May 2026 | 3 min read
This paper changed my life: Appreciating John Hopfield’s brilliant neural network
In a 1982 paper, the Nobel laureate created his namesake recurrent neural network—work that taught Maria Geffen to always ground research questions in biology.
This paper changed my life: Appreciating John Hopfield’s brilliant neural network
In a 1982 paper, the Nobel laureate created his namesake recurrent neural network—work that taught Maria Geffen to always ground research questions in biology.
By
Maria Geffen
15 May 2026 | 5 min read
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
By
Juliana Chase, Hannah R. Monday, Lea Witkowsky
14 May 2026 | 6 min read