Headshot of Jill Adams.

Jill Adams

Contributing writer

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.

From this contributor

Scans of brains using the OPM-MEG method.
Spectrum

Language development during the first 1,000 days; and more

By Jill Adams
10 November 2026 | 2 min read
Research image showing copy number variants in prenatal cortical neurons.
Spectrum

Prenatal pruning of neurons with copy number variants; and more

By Jill Adams
3 November 2026 | 2 min read
Protein asparagine synthetase in hippocampus neurons.
Spectrum

Behavioral phenomics in zebrafish; and more

By Jill Adams
27 October 2026 | 2 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.
Spectrum

COVID-19 and influenza effects in pregnancy; and more

By Jill Adams
20 October 2026 | 2 min read
Research image of resting-state functional MRI.
Spectrum

Acetaminophen effects on developing brain organoids; and more

By Jill Adams
13 October 2026 | 1 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of brain with many connecting lines.
Reviews

What ‘Brain Flows’ gets right

Michael W. Cole’s new book makes a convincing case that the dynamic movement of signals underpins just about everything the brain does, though it misses mention of relevant theoretical and single-cell work.

By Daniel Graham
10 November 2026 | 6 min read
Illustration of a binocular view of a hilly path leading towards a temple.
Special report: Graduate education in flux

Amid funding uncertainty, graduate neuroscience programs in the U.S. adapt

The Transmitter surveyed 50 graduate program directors to learn how they’re faring. Securing labs for new students is one of the greatest concerns.

By Emily Singer
9 November 2026 | 15 min read
Illustration of a pillar in the shape of a question mark.
Special report: Graduate education in flux

The changing nature of the neuroscience Ph.D.

The best science can only be sustained by a steady influx of early-stage scientists and the innovative ideas they bring, says Diane Lipscombe. She reflects on the loss of international students, the value of training grants, and the challenges that lie ahead for graduate education.

By Emily Singer
9 November 2026 | 7 min read