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
Explore more from The Transmitter
By
Arash Fassihi, Gily Ginosar, Noga Larry, Abdulraheem Nashef
28 July 2026
7 min read
An Iranian, an Israeli, and a Palestinian neuroscientist walked into a bar…
That chance occurrence at an SfN social led us to organize the Middle Eastern Systems Neuroscience Symposium, and forge a plan to build a community that transcends political barriers through scientific connection.
An Iranian, an Israeli, and a Palestinian neuroscientist walked into a bar…
That chance occurrence at an SfN social led us to organize the Middle Eastern Systems Neuroscience Symposium, and forge a plan to build a community that transcends political barriers through scientific connection.
By
Arash Fassihi, Gily Ginosar, Noga Larry, Abdulraheem Nashef
28 July 2026 | 7 min read
Federal advisory panel extends comment period, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 July.
Federal advisory panel extends comment period, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 27 July.
By
Jill Adams
28 July 2026 | 1 min read
Oregon primate research center to downsize monkey colony, pivot to non-animal models
The center’s host university had been negotiating with the federal government about converting the center into an animal sanctuary. A new plan, approved today, preserves some of the center’s nonhuman primate studies.
Oregon primate research center to downsize monkey colony, pivot to non-animal models
The center’s host university had been negotiating with the federal government about converting the center into an animal sanctuary. A new plan, approved today, preserves some of the center’s nonhuman primate studies.
By
Calli McMurray
27 July 2026 | 5 min read