A year ago, as a resident journo at @istaresearch.bsky.social through the @frontiersmedia.bsky.social program, a conversation on a computational theory led me somewhere unexpected. The story, now in @thetransmitter.bsky.social, is about how mitochondria may shape synapses, memory and even behavior 👇

The Transmitter @thetransmitter.bsky.social · last mo.

Emerging evidence suggests that the cell’s powerhouses do more than supply energy to the brain. Mitochondria may help synapses communicate, shape memory and even influence behavior. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/mitochondria...

Small deletions in an X-linked RNA are associated with autism in boys and alter social behavior in male mice, without affecting learning and memory, a new study reports. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/non...

Noncoding RNA sways core autism traits in mice

Small deletions in an X-linked RNA alter social and repetitive behaviors in male mice without broadly affecting learning or memory.

thetransmitter.org

Skipping a tiny segment of the MECP2 gene boosts protein levels and improves cellular function in neurons from people with Rett syndrome, offering a potential path for treatment. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/exo...

Exon-skipping approach boosts levels of key Rett syndrome protein

Deleting a small region of the MECP2 gene partially restored function in neurons derived from people with Rett-associated variants.

thetransmitter.org

Honored that my feature on the lack of clinical trials in pregnant people is part of @nature.com's showcase ahead of International Women’s Day, highlighting advances in women’s health and the work of women in science. #IWD www.nature.com/immersive/iw...

International Women's Day 2026

Nature highlights developments in women’s health research and career guidance for women in science.

nature.com

My latest for @thetransmitter.bsky.social: A new study finds that different genetic variants linked to autism converge on common brain processes. Each affects development differently at first, but over time they all disrupt neuron maturation and other key processes 🧠

The Transmitter @thetransmitter.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Different autism-linked variants initially affect brain development in distinct ways but later converge on shared pathways, according to a study of brain organoids from autistic people. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/org...

Proud to share my @nature.com feature on why so few drugs are tested in pregnant people—and why that’s finally starting to change. Out today on #WomenInScienceDay: we need not just more women in research, but more research for women. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

What drugs are safe during pregnancy? There’s a shocking lack of data

Drug trials have typically excluded pregnant people for safety reasons. But that’s now starting to change.

nature.com

Seven feel-good science stories to restore your faith in 2025 www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Seven feel-good science stories to restore your faith in 2025

Immense progress in gene editing, drug discovery and conservation are just some of the reasons to be cheerful about 2025.

nature.com

As 2025 ends, I reflect on a year of growth & professional opportunities, including the @frontiersmedia.bsky.social residency at @istaresearch.bsky.social, which let me step back from headlines & focus on the science that inspires me. Along the way, I wrote many stories—these are my favorites🧵

@giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social covers emerging genetics research that could help reveal why autism is more common in boys: www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/gen...

Gene-activity map of developing brain reveals new clues about autism’s sex bias

Boys and girls may be vulnerable to different genetic changes, which could help explain why the condition is more common in boys despite linked variants appearing more often in girls.

thetransmitter.org

Read my latest for @thetransmitter.bsky.social 👇

The Transmitter @thetransmitter.bsky.social · 10mo ago

A large study of developing brains reveals genetic and molecular differences between males and females. The findings may help explain why neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, occur at different rates in boys and girls. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social bit.ly/4q9BsVH

President Trump’s budget office lays out guidelines for mass lay-offs across the federal government go.nature.com/4mGgJWn

This US government shutdown is different: what it means for science

President Trump’s budget office lays out guidelines for mass lay-offs across the federal government.

go.nature.com

Highlights of this year’s Ig Nobel recipients include a nutrition prize for studying the preferred pizza toppings of rainbow lizards at a seaside resort in Togo go.nature.com/4n5HQv7

Tipsy bats and perfect pasta: Ig Nobels celebrate ‘improbable’ research

The annual awards are a celebration of weird but thought-provoking science.

go.nature.com

The call for journalists in residence at @istaresearch.bsky.social is now open! I can highly recommend it — a rare chance to dive deep into science and meet brilliant researchers

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)@istaresearch.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Calling all Science & Tech Journalists ISTA’s Journalist in Residence program is now accepting applications! Duration: 3 - 6 months, starting spring 2026 Compensation: €15,000 + travel expenses Ready to be a voice that bridges science and society? Apply by Oct 31. More: https://bit.ly/3sFmLjJ

Had a great time at @sidb-edinburgh.bsky.social last week, giving a seminar on how researchers can engage with the media — from interview prep to dos & don’ts. Great questions, great energy — shows the appetite for connecting science & society.

In my latest for @nature.com, I explain how this year’s back-to-back heatwaves are affecting populations and economies across Europe. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Summer 2025 is roasting hot: these charts show why it matters

Data reveal how this year’s back-to-back heatwaves are affecting populations and economies across Europe.

nature.com

Wrapping up my @erc.europa.eu funded @frontiersmedia.bsky.social Fellowship at @istaresearch.bsky.social. In 4.5 months, I gave talks on science journalism, visited Austrian newsrooms and connected with researchers and journalists worldwide. Grateful for the opportunity and excited for what’s next!

Read my latest for @thetransmitter.bsky.social: A large study links patterns of traits in autistic children to distinct genetic signatures, challenging the idea of a single autism spectrum and paving the way for more personalized care and support. www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/fou...

Four autism subtypes map onto distinct genes, traits

An analysis of autistic children and their siblings underscores the idea that autism can be viewed as multiple conditions with distinct trajectories.

thetransmitter.org

Spoke at @viennabiocenter.bsky.social last week about my path from lab bench to newsroom. I talked science journalism (what it is + isn’t), how to talk to journalists, and how to start in #scicomm. Thanks to @irmaquerques.bsky.social & @vbcscitraining.bsky.social for having me!

Had a blast talking at @istaresearch.bsky.social’s Think & Drink last Friday! @clarewatson.bsky.social and I shared how we went from lab bench to newsroom, and why trust, curiosity & scientist voices matter in journalism. Thanks to all who joined!

I helped @nature.com put together a guide to the initiatives drawing U.S. scientists abroad as the Trump administration cuts research budgets and science agencies. The trend has sparked debate: Is luring talent away the best way to support global science? www.nature.com/articles/d41...

US brain drain: Nature’s guide to the initiatives drawing scientists abroad

In response to US turmoil, premier establishments such as the European Research Council have sweetened incentives to attract talent.

nature.com

Thank you to the organizers, fellow panelists, and audience for a fantastic panel on science journalism—insightful questions and a thoughtful discussion!

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)@istaresearch.bsky.social · last yr.

Panel discussion at ISTA: Renowned science journalists discussed both the challenges and the joys of science journalism. Thanks to our panelists: @clarewatson.bsky.social, @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social, @jackiesnow.bsky.social, Monika Mondal, Klaus Taschwer & moderator Marlene Nowotny!

For @nature.com, I spoke with US-based researchers who are pursuing or relocating to jobs overseas in response to actions taken by the Trump administration, which has started to dismantle US research agencies and attempted to exert greater control over universities. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

US brain drain: the scientists seeking jobs abroad amid Trump’s assault on research

Five US-based researchers tell Nature why they are exploring career opportunities overseas.

nature.com

Tomorrow I’m joining four amazing colleagues from around the globe to talk about science journalism — how it can offer clarity, hope, and accountability in uncertain times. Don’t miss it! More info at: ista.ac.at/en/news-even...

Meet our Journalists in Residence 2025! Four independent science journalists from around the globe stay at the ISTA Campus for several months, unearthing stories about science and research that have never been told. 🧵A thread about them and their fields of expertise:

Read my latest neuroscience story: REM sleep preserves newly acquired memories, but deeper non-REM sleep helps to adapt and update them, preparing the brain for future experiences, according to “heroic” day-long electrode recordings in rats done at @istaresearch.bsky.social 🧠 #FRONTIERSfellow

The Transmitter @thetransmitter.bsky.social · last yr.

A new study shows how sleep helps the brain process the past and prepares it for future experiences, with REM and non-REM sleep reshaping memories in opposite ways. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/sleep/sleep-...

Submit your nominations for our 2025 "Rising stars in neuroscience." Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize your colleagues who have made outstanding scientific contributions and demonstrated a commitment to community-building. Enter here: www.thetransmitter.org/the-transmit... #neuroskyence

The Transmitter’s ‘Rising stars in neuroscience’ 2025

Recognize early-career researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the field. Selected nominees will be featured on our website and in our annual book.

thetransmitter.org

As a @frontiersmedia.bsky.social Fellow, I’m excited to explore a fascinating question at @istaresearch.bsky.social: How do living systems—from embryos to animal colonies—self-organize? At ISTA, I’ll engage with researchers studying this phenomenon from various angles. #FRONTIERSFellow

A new statistical method controlling for hidden confounders could help pinpoint true causal links in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. By @giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/new...

New tool may help untangle effects of autism-linked genes

The statistical approach helps scientists better control for both measured and unmeasured confounders in gene-expression data.

thetransmitter.org

Had an amazing time at the @frontiersmedia.bsky.social training at @itqbnova.bsky.social! It was fantastic meeting other FRONTIERS fellows and discussing a wide range of topics—from reporting about frontier research to the role of AI in science journalism.

My latest for @nature.com: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, but survival chances vary drastically depending on where a woman lives, a new study shows. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Breast cancer is on the rise: data reveal drastic gap in survival rates

Lack of screening and limited treatment options mean that low- and middle-income countries face higher death rates despite having fewer cases than wealthier nations.

nature.com