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.
![Headshot of Nora Bradford.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/nora-bradford-170.png)
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.
![Research image of cell bodies of rett-like neurons, some of which were treated with epigenome editors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-final.png)
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
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.
![X chromosome against a dark background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Chromosome-16p-research-autism-844.jpg)
Common and rare autism-linked variants share functional effects
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
A well-studied brain response to sound appears earlier than usual in young children with autism.
![Dr. Edgar helps the participant prepare for the magnetoencephalography (MEG) exam.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/auditory-cortex-activity-autism-844.jpg)
Auditory cortex may develop early in autism
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New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.