Kate Yandell is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer with a love for genomics and neuroscience. She writes for Spectrum‘s Toolbox section.
Kate Yandell
Contributing Writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
With new part, CRISPR can cut RNA in living cells
A new version of the gene-editing tool CRISPR can target and cut RNA, offering a way to tinker with the expression of autism genes.
With new part, CRISPR can cut RNA in living cells
By
Kate Yandell
15 July 2016 | 2 min read
Sequencing approach bares large variety of brain cell types
Analyzing gene expression in a vision center of the mouse brain has revealed 49 different classes of cells.
Sequencing approach bares large variety of brain cell types
By
Kate Yandell
24 February 2016 | 2 min read
Precise program traces firing patterns in neural networks
By tracking calcium’s movement, a new algorithm simultaneously delineates individual neurons’ shapes as well as their firing patterns.
Precise program traces firing patterns in neural networks
By
Kate Yandell
17 February 2016 | 2 min read
Simple steps let star-shaped brain cells thrive in culture
A new method allows researchers to culture cells known as astrocytes from human brains.
Simple steps let star-shaped brain cells thrive in culture
By
Kate Yandell
10 February 2016 | 3 min read
Method marks variants among repeated DNA segments
A new tool trawls sequencing data to reveal single-letter DNA swaps within large duplications.
Method marks variants among repeated DNA segments
By
Kate Yandell
9 December 2015 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
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
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.
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
Rethinking neuroscience graduate education in the age of AI
What knowledge from traditional training protocols needs to be maintained, what can be discarded, and what new types of training should be introduced? Six neuroscientists weigh in.
Rethinking neuroscience graduate education in the age of AI
What knowledge from traditional training protocols needs to be maintained, what can be discarded, and what new types of training should be introduced? Six neuroscientists weigh in.
By
Mark Goldman
9 November 2026 | 17 min read