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
Why expertise won’t protect you from AI’s influence
When writing a grant or reasoning about a problem, artificial intelligence can exert a subtle bias that often goes undetected, even if we’re doing our best to be aware of it.
Why expertise won’t protect you from AI’s influence
When writing a grant or reasoning about a problem, artificial intelligence can exert a subtle bias that often goes undetected, even if we’re doing our best to be aware of it.
By
Tim Requarth
4 May 2026 | 6 min read
European Research Council backtracks on stricter grant resubmission rules
The swift reversal came after more than 1,000 scientists signed an open letter protesting the rules last week.
European Research Council backtracks on stricter grant resubmission rules
The swift reversal came after more than 1,000 scientists signed an open letter protesting the rules last week.
By
Lauren Schenkman
1 May 2026 | 4 min read
What leeches reveal about movement
After encountering setbacks in her study of the neuromuscular system in vertebrates, Lidia Szczupak turned to leeches to explore how the nervous system coordinates movement.
What leeches reveal about movement
After encountering setbacks in her study of the neuromuscular system in vertebrates, Lidia Szczupak turned to leeches to explore how the nervous system coordinates movement.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
1 May 2026 | 5 min read