headshot of Shafaq Zia

Shafaq Zia


Shafaq Zia is a science journalist and a graduate student in the Graduate Program in Science Writing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Previously, she was a reporting intern at STAT, covering the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest research in health technology.

From this contributor

Spectrum

Spotted around the web: COVID-19 during pregnancy, sleep problems, eugenics

By Jill Adams, Angie Voyles Askham, Peter Hess, Shafaq Zia
10 June 2022 | 3 min read
Nighttime crowded Shanghai street scene with illumination from electric and neon signs.
Spectrum

New resource tracks genetic variations in Han Chinese populations

By Shafaq Zia
9 December 2021 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Abstract illustration of a human brain.
Community

‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That,’ an excerpt

In her new book, published today, neuroscientist Nicole Rust takes us on her personal quest to spell out the brain research community's "Grand Plan."

By Nicole Rust
10 June 2025 | 9 min read
Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.
Spectrum

Convergent effects of autism-linked genes in zebrafish; and more

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 9 June.

By Jill Adams
10 June 2025 | 2 min read
Research image containing repeated structures, suggesting potential image manipulation.
Academia

More than two dozen papers by neural tube researcher come under scrutiny

One of the studies, published in 2021 in Science Advances, received an editorial expression of concern on 21 May, after the journal learned that an institutional review of alleged image problems is underway.

By Claudia López Lloreda
9 June 2025 | 6 min read