Tara Santora is a former intern at Spectrum and a freelance journalist based in New York City. Tara has written about health and the environment for publications such as Psychology Today and Audubon magazine. They are also a graduate student at New York University’s Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program.
Tara Santora
From this contributor
U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome
A new blood test can identify within seven hours whether a person carries the genetic mutation underlying fragile X syndrome.
U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome
By
Tara Santora
8 April 2020 | 2 min read
New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism
A new technique allows researchers to analyze raw data across multiple studies that use electroencephalography.
New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism
By
Tara Santora
18 March 2020 | 2 min read
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
A new technique detects rare mutations that occur in only a subset of the body's cells.
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
By
Tara Santora
19 February 2020 | 2 min read
Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism
A new jumpsuit is fitted with sensors that can track and classify an infant's posture and movements.
Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism
By
Tara Santora
12 February 2020 | 2 min read
Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits
Electronic neurons made from silicon mimic brain cells and could be used to treat conditions such as autism.
Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits
By
Tara Santora
17 January 2020 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Nearly 400 compounds affect behaviors tied to autism-linked genes in zebrafish
Estropipate, paclitaxel and levocarnitine altered behaviors tied to SCN2A and DYRK1A variants specifically, a new open-source platform revealed.
Nearly 400 compounds affect behaviors tied to autism-linked genes in zebrafish
Estropipate, paclitaxel and levocarnitine altered behaviors tied to SCN2A and DYRK1A variants specifically, a new open-source platform revealed.
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Charles Q. Choi
16 April 2026 | 4 min read
What neuroscientists want from a new NINDS director
The search is underway for the next director of the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who will face a range of challenges, neuroscientists say, but will also have an “immense opportunity to do good things.”
What neuroscientists want from a new NINDS director
The search is underway for the next director of the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who will face a range of challenges, neuroscientists say, but will also have an “immense opportunity to do good things.”
By
Helena Kudiabor
15 April 2026 | 4 min read
Arousal neurons’ activity explains brain’s blood flow dynamics in mice
The findings could influence how researchers interpret signals from techniques that use blood flow as a surrogate for neuronal activity.
Arousal neurons’ activity explains brain’s blood flow dynamics in mice
The findings could influence how researchers interpret signals from techniques that use blood flow as a surrogate for neuronal activity.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
15 April 2026 | 5 min read