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.
![Portrait of writer Tara Santora](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/headshot7Tara-copy.jpg)
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.
![Microscope image of Fragile X chromosome](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200402-FragileX-844.jpg)
U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome
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.
![multiple brain scans showing brain activity during different tasks. Purple background and brains in pink, red and green tones indicate activity.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200318-EEGMega844.jpg)
New analysis of brain activity could identify signal for autism
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.
![a pattern shows a helix-like form repeating in yellow on dark background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PatternDNA-844.jpg)
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
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.
![A baby in a yellow jumper that has movement tracking sensors](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200219-TrackingJumpsuits844.jpg)
Smart jumpsuit may help test motor skills in infants with autism
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200117-ArtificialNeurons-844.jpg)
Artificial neurons may repair damaged cells and circuits
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.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.