Jef (an unusual nickname for Jennifer) is a freelance writer and editor covering the life sciences. She earned her master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses and spent the first 13 years of her career at The Scientist, where she edited features and oversaw the production of the publication’s digital and print magazines. In 2022, her feature on uterus transplantation earned first place in the trade category of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
Jef Akst
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Protein networks identified in autism-linked genetic deletion
The OTUD7A gene, which may account for some traits in people missing a segment of chromosome 15, appears to interact with several known autism-linked genes.
Protein networks identified in autism-linked genetic deletion
By
Jef Akst
28 February 2023 | 6 min read
Simons Foundation clinical research head Wendy Chung to lead Boston Children’s pediatrics department
Chung, a clinical and molecular geneticist, plans to continue serving as principal investigator of two large research projects involving cohorts of people with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Simons Foundation clinical research head Wendy Chung to lead Boston Children’s pediatrics department
By
Jef Akst
14 February 2023 | 5 min read
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
A new measure shows how greatly movement influences associations between traits and brain activity, revealing abundant false positives and false negatives.
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
By
Jef Akst
30 January 2023 | 6 min read
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Michael Shadlen explains how theory of mind ushers nonconscious thoughts into consciousness
All of our thoughts, mostly nonconscious, are interrogations of the world, Shadlen says. The opportunity to report our answers to ourselves or others brings a thought into conscious awareness.
Michael Shadlen explains how theory of mind ushers nonconscious thoughts into consciousness
All of our thoughts, mostly nonconscious, are interrogations of the world, Shadlen says. The opportunity to report our answers to ourselves or others brings a thought into conscious awareness.
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Paul Middlebrooks
28 January 2026 | 1 min read
‘Peer review is our strength’: Q&A with Walter Koroshetz, former NINDS director
In his first week off the job, the former National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke director urges U.S. scientists to remain optimistic about the future of neuroscience research, even if the executive branch “may not value what we do.”
‘Peer review is our strength’: Q&A with Walter Koroshetz, former NINDS director
In his first week off the job, the former National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke director urges U.S. scientists to remain optimistic about the future of neuroscience research, even if the executive branch “may not value what we do.”
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Angie Voyles Askham
27 January 2026 | 7 min read
Viral remnant in chimpanzees silences brain gene humans still use
The retroviral insert appears to inadvertently switch off a gene involved in brain development.
Viral remnant in chimpanzees silences brain gene humans still use
The retroviral insert appears to inadvertently switch off a gene involved in brain development.
By
Siddhant Pusdekar
27 January 2026 | 5 min read