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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Gene activity across 17 autism mouse models occurs in either of two opposing transcriptomic states, supporting the idea that diverse genetic changes may converge on a few recurring biological patterns.
Autism-linked variants converge on two molecular patterns in mouse brains
Gene activity across 17 autism mouse models occurs in either of two opposing transcriptomic states, supporting the idea that diverse genetic changes may converge on a few recurring biological patterns.
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Giorgia Guglielmi
1 October 2026 | 4 min read
How the pipa frog hunts prey by touch
Each of the frog’s eight fingers branches into 16 ultra-sensitive tips, which together function as a fovea—potentially the first demonstration of this type of sensory structure outside of mammals.
How the pipa frog hunts prey by touch
Each of the frog’s eight fingers branches into 16 ultra-sensitive tips, which together function as a fovea—potentially the first demonstration of this type of sensory structure outside of mammals.
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30 September 2026 | 7 min read
Response to ‘Finally, a new route for the magnetic-sense field’
Magnetoreception in Drosophila has much to offer those with an interest in neuroscience.
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Magnetoreception in Drosophila has much to offer those with an interest in neuroscience.
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Denis Henshaw
30 September 2026 | 3 min read