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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‘How to Change a Memory: One Neuroscientist’s Quest to Alter the Past,’ an excerpt
Part scientific exploration, part memoir, Steve Ramirez’s new book delves into the study of memory manipulation and his personal journey of discovery, friendship and grief.
‘How to Change a Memory: One Neuroscientist’s Quest to Alter the Past,’ an excerpt
Part scientific exploration, part memoir, Steve Ramirez’s new book delves into the study of memory manipulation and his personal journey of discovery, friendship and grief.
By
Steve Ramirez
7 November 2025 | 9 min read
Journal retracts two papers evaluating ADHD interventions
Frontiers in Public Health retracted one paper for its “unacceptable level of similarity” to another paper, and the other over concerns about its “scientific validity.”
Journal retracts two papers evaluating ADHD interventions
Frontiers in Public Health retracted one paper for its “unacceptable level of similarity” to another paper, and the other over concerns about its “scientific validity.”
By
Calli McMurray
6 November 2025 | 5 min read
Constellation of studies charts brain development, offers ‘dramatic revision’
The atlases could pinpoint pathways that determine the fate of cells linked to neurodevelopmental conditions.
Constellation of studies charts brain development, offers ‘dramatic revision’
The atlases could pinpoint pathways that determine the fate of cells linked to neurodevelopmental conditions.
By
Holly Barker
5 November 2025 | 6 min read