Nora Bradford is a California-based freelance writer specializing in neuroscience, marine biology and biomedical sciences. She has a B.S. in neuroscience, psychology and philosophy from the University of Chicago and is completing a Ph.D. in cognitive science at University of California, Irvine.
Nora Bradford
Contributing Writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
By
Nora Bradford
16 February 2023 | 5 min read
Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects
Within the 16p region of the genome, the two types of variants similarly decrease neuronal gene expression — an effect that may reflect their spatial relationship.
Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects
By
Nora Bradford
1 December 2022 | 4 min read
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
A well-studied brain response to sound appears earlier than usual in young children with autism.
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
By
Nora Bradford
16 September 2022 | 3 min read
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BRAIN Initiative researchers ‘dream big’ amid shifts in leadership, funding
But whether the initiative’s road map for the next decade is feasible remains an open question.
BRAIN Initiative researchers ‘dream big’ amid shifts in leadership, funding
But whether the initiative’s road map for the next decade is feasible remains an open question.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
23 January 2026 | 6 min read
Neuroscience, BRAIN Initiative gain budget in ‘bad’ NIH funding bill
The bill goes before the House of Representatives today and outlines increases for neuroscience-related research—including a 33 percent increase to the BRAIN Initiative—but maintains a multiyear spending approach that could limit the number of grants awarded overall.
Neuroscience, BRAIN Initiative gain budget in ‘bad’ NIH funding bill
The bill goes before the House of Representatives today and outlines increases for neuroscience-related research—including a 33 percent increase to the BRAIN Initiative—but maintains a multiyear spending approach that could limit the number of grants awarded overall.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
22 January 2026 | 4 min read
Prenatal viral injections prime primate brain for study
The approach makes it possible to deploy tools such as CRISPR and optogenetics across the monkey brain before birth.
Prenatal viral injections prime primate brain for study
The approach makes it possible to deploy tools such as CRISPR and optogenetics across the monkey brain before birth.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
22 January 2026 | 5 min read