Peter Hess was a reporter for Spectrum from 2019 to 2023, where he covered cannabinoids, autism prevalence, social hormones and other topics. Before joining Spectrum in 2019, he was associate science editor at Inverse, where he wrote and edited stories for a broad audience on a wide range of scientific topics, including drugs, evolution and environmental science. His work has also appeared in The Washington Post, New Scientist, Popular Science and Motherboard. Peter has an M.A. in science journalism from New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. Find him on Twitter at @PeterNHess.
Peter Hess
Former news writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Company on brink takes psilocybin to trial for fragile X syndrome
The phase 2A trial has its detractors despite positive animal results and is being sponsored by a company that is struggling financially.
Company on brink takes psilocybin to trial for fragile X syndrome
By
Peter Hess
25 April 2023 | 9 min read
Lessons from n-of-1 trials: A conversation with Joseph Gleeson
Some conditions are too rare for conventional drug trials, leading some scientists to test bespoke treatments in single participants. Gleeson discusses the merits — and limitations — of these tiny trials.
Lessons from n-of-1 trials: A conversation with Joseph Gleeson
By
Peter Hess
30 March 2023 | 7 min read
Cannabis compound rebalances signaling to quell seizures in mice
Cannabidiol (CBD) blocks the action of a molecule that drives an overexcitability feedback loop in a rodent model of epilepsy.
Cannabis compound rebalances signaling to quell seizures in mice
By
Peter Hess
22 March 2023 | 5 min read
Asleep in the Mouse House with Graham Diering
Memories from Diering’s life trace the rising star’s scientific path from raising lizards as a child and later exploring home brewing to heading a lab that investigates memory, sleep disturbances and early development in animals with autism-linked mutations.
Unconventional optogenetics technique spurs long-lasting changes in neuronal activity
Conventional optogenetic manipulations to excite or inhibit neurons stop when the light switches off. A new approach makes the changes last.
Unconventional optogenetics technique spurs long-lasting changes in neuronal activity
By
Peter Hess
9 January 2023 | 4 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
The question of regeneration—an excerpt from ‘Periphery: How Your Nervous System Predicts and Protects Against Disease’
In his recent book, Moses Chao makes the case that the peripheral nervous system can warn of future illnesses.
The question of regeneration—an excerpt from ‘Periphery: How Your Nervous System Predicts and Protects Against Disease’
In his recent book, Moses Chao makes the case that the peripheral nervous system can warn of future illnesses.
By
Moses V. Chao
26 April 2024 | 7 min read
RNA drug corrects calcium signaling in chimeric model of Timothy syndrome
The drug, tested in rats that have human neurons, could enter clinical testing as early as next year, researchers say.
RNA drug corrects calcium signaling in chimeric model of Timothy syndrome
The drug, tested in rats that have human neurons, could enter clinical testing as early as next year, researchers say.
By
Katie Moisse
24 April 2024 | 5 min read
How to use race and ethnicity data responsibly in neuroscience research
Follow these four tips to avoid using the information in problematic ways, including as a proxy for environmental variables.
How to use race and ethnicity data responsibly in neuroscience research
Follow these four tips to avoid using the information in problematic ways, including as a proxy for environmental variables.
By
Gina Jiménez
24 April 2024 | 6 min read