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
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A long-overlooked layer of fibroblasts exists inside the choroid plexus of mice and humans, adding complexity to the area’s compartmentalization.
Newly identified barrier cells seal off choroid plexus from CSF, rest of brain
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‘Digital sphinx’ raises questions about connectome models
The sphinx, with a worm’s brain and a fly’s body, illustrates the potential pitfalls of using deep-learning techniques to model biological processes.
‘Digital sphinx’ raises questions about connectome models
The sphinx, with a worm’s brain and a fly’s body, illustrates the potential pitfalls of using deep-learning techniques to model biological processes.
By
Natalia Mesa
2 April 2026 | 5 min read
Taking a closer look at astrocytes and autism
These glial cells are increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental conditions and the regulation of social behaviors and anxiety.
Taking a closer look at astrocytes and autism
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By
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2 April 2026 | 2 min read