Jill U. Adams is a freelance science journalist based in Albany, New York. She covers health, mental health and biomedical research for such publications as The Transmitter, The Washington Post, Scientific American, Undark and The Scientist. She has a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jill Adams
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Autism-linked genes expressed in thalamus make an impact, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 1 June.
Autism-linked genes expressed in thalamus make an impact, and more
By
Jill Adams
2 June 2026 | 2 min read
SHANK3-variant effects in primates, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 25 May.
Outside influences on CHD8 variant phenotypes, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 18 May.
Outside influences on CHD8 variant phenotypes, and more
By
Jill Adams
19 May 2026 | 2 min read
Untangling genetic effects, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 11 May.
Processing facial emotions, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 4 May.
Explore more from The Transmitter
‘Push-pull’ recipe for neural wiring used in multiple brain regions
A versatile pair of proteins steers neurons toward their targets and helps establish the brain’s sensory maps, new studies suggest.
‘Push-pull’ recipe for neural wiring used in multiple brain regions
A versatile pair of proteins steers neurons toward their targets and helps establish the brain’s sensory maps, new studies suggest.
By
Holly Barker
5 June 2026 | 5 min read
Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Reward-learning algorithm hardwired into dopamine circuit
The finding bolsters the canonical model of reward prediction error, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
By
Natalia Mesa
5 June 2026 | 5 min read
Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
The Burke Neurological Institute, which calls itself “the only research institute in the U.S. dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord,” ceased research operations on 22 May.
Exclusive: Brain and spinal cord institute halts research, citing funding problems
The Burke Neurological Institute, which calls itself “the only research institute in the U.S. dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord,” ceased research operations on 22 May.
By
Lauren Schenkman
4 June 2026 | 5 min read