Polina Porotskaya is a former intern at Spectrum and a graduate student in the Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University. Polina writes about neuroscience, biology and medicine. She has a B.A. in neuroscience from Columbia University.
Polina Porotskaya
From this contributor
Inside a summer camp for autistic children in Russia
Photographs show how a camp in St. Petersburg this summer helped children on the spectrum and their families find some fun during the pandemic.
Inside a summer camp for autistic children in Russia
By
Polina Porotskaya
1 September 2020 | 5 min read
Cell stress may sap organoids’ usefulness in autism research
Some cells in brain organoids — 3D clusters of cultured brain cells — fail to develop fully.
Cell stress may sap organoids’ usefulness in autism research
By
Polina Porotskaya
26 February 2020 | 3 min read
Diabetes drug delivers multiple benefits for people with fragile X syndrome
Researcher Randi Hagerman is a big proponent of metformin — a diabetes drug that she is testing in people with fragile X syndrome. In fact, Hagerman takes the drug herself as a preventive measure against cancer.
Diabetes drug delivers multiple benefits for people with fragile X syndrome
By
Polina Porotskaya
17 September 2019 | 6 min read
Mutations in sperm may accrue too slowly to increase autism risk
A new analysis challenges the idea that mutations in the sperm of older fathers lead to higher rates of autism among their children.
Mutations in sperm may accrue too slowly to increase autism risk
By
Polina Porotskaya
5 September 2019 | 4 min read
New maps of neuronal connections reveal roundworms’ wiring
Two new maps show the entire nervous system of the adult roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans.
New maps of neuronal connections reveal roundworms’ wiring
By
Polina Porotskaya
30 August 2019 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Novel assembloid illuminates serotonin changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion
The combination of a serotonin-producing organoid with an organoid based on the developing cerebral cortex offers a new way to investigate neuromodulation.
Novel assembloid illuminates serotonin changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion
The combination of a serotonin-producing organoid with an organoid based on the developing cerebral cortex offers a new way to investigate neuromodulation.
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Sarah DeWeerdt
30 April 2026 | 0 min watch
Reporter’s notebook: Highlights from INSAR 2026
At the 25th annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, scientists, clinicians and self-advocates gathered to discuss topics such as autism genetics and the gap between clinical trials and real-world benefits.
Reporter’s notebook: Highlights from INSAR 2026
At the 25th annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, scientists, clinicians and self-advocates gathered to discuss topics such as autism genetics and the gap between clinical trials and real-world benefits.
By
Diana Kwon
30 April 2026 | 6 min read
Scientists push back against stricter European Research Council grant application rules
In an open letter, scientists call the ERC’s suggestion to block grant reapplications for an additional year “at odds with scientific excellence.”
Scientists push back against stricter European Research Council grant application rules
In an open letter, scientists call the ERC’s suggestion to block grant reapplications for an additional year “at odds with scientific excellence.”
By
Lauren Schenkman
29 April 2026 | 5 min read