Sarah DeWeerdt is a Seattle-based freelance science writer specializing in biology, medicine and the environment. Her work has appeared in publications including Nature, Newsweek, Conservation and Nautilus. She has been a regular contributor to The Transmitter since 2010, writing conference reports, news and Deep Dive articles.
Sarah DeWeerdt
Contributing writer
Spectrum
From this contributor
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
Whereas some mice display hypersensitivity to touch only as adults, others respond that way from birth.
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
Making cancer nervous
Nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body can turbocharge tumor growth — a finding that not only expands conventional ideas about the nervous system but points to novel therapeutic targets for a range of malignancies.
Lacking autism-linked gene, female birds tune out favorite songs
The gene, FOXP1, influences an animal’s motivation to listen to social communication, a new study suggests.
Lacking autism-linked gene, female birds tune out favorite songs
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Zebrafish social behavior swims into mainstream
New studies bolster the idea that zebrafish models can say something meaningful about social behavior in autism.
Zebrafish social behavior swims into mainstream
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
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.
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.
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.