Rachel Nuwer is a freelance science journalist who regularly contributes to The New York Times, Nature, Scientific American and more. Her latest book is “I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World.” She is also adjunct professor of science journalism at New York University.
Rachel Nuwer
Contributing writer
From this contributor
Lisa Croen: Autism’s first dedicated epidemiologist
Inspired by watching her autistic nephew grow up, Croen has also been an advocate for bolstering research and services for autistic adults.
Lisa Croen: Autism’s first dedicated epidemiologist
By
Rachel Nuwer
28 March 2022 | 9 min read
Finding strengths in autism
Autism comprises a set of difficulties, but growing evidence suggests that certain abilities also define the condition.
Meet the autistic scientists redefining autism research
Growing ranks of researchers on the spectrum are overcoming barriers — from neurotypical bias to sensory sensitivities — to shape autism science.
Meet the autistic scientists redefining autism research
By
Rachel Nuwer
10 June 2020 | 18 min read
Growing old with autism
For many autistic adults, the golden years are tarnished by poor health, poverty and, in some cases, homelessness. Their plight reveals huge gaps in care.
Mouse study links gene to some autism symptoms
Mice missing a gene called PTCHD1 in a deep-seated brain structure have autism-like symptoms that ease with treatment.
Explore more from The Transmitter
‘Brain Flows: How Network Dynamics Compose the Human Mind,’ an excerpt
In his new book, published today, Michael W. Cole examines how the movement of neuronal activity between neuronal populations shapes free will, intelligence and creativity. In this excerpt from Chapter 1, Cole explores why activity flows could unify efforts to map brain functions and connectivity.
‘Brain Flows: How Network Dynamics Compose the Human Mind,’ an excerpt
In his new book, published today, Michael W. Cole examines how the movement of neuronal activity between neuronal populations shapes free will, intelligence and creativity. In this excerpt from Chapter 1, Cole explores why activity flows could unify efforts to map brain functions and connectivity.
By
Michael W. Cole
3 November 2026 | 9 min read
Prenatal pruning of neurons with copy number variants; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 2 November.
Prenatal pruning of neurons with copy number variants; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 2 November.
By
Jill Adams
3 November 2026 | 2 min read
New Stanford initiative aims to build digital twin of human brain
The effort, funded by private donors, seeks to train the model on a trove of MRI and magnetoencephalography data that scientists plan to collect over the next five years—but questions about its scientific utility and feasibility remain.
New Stanford initiative aims to build digital twin of human brain
The effort, funded by private donors, seeks to train the model on a trove of MRI and magnetoencephalography data that scientists plan to collect over the next five years—but questions about its scientific utility and feasibility remain.
By
Natalia Mesa
2 November 2026 | 0 min watch