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.

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...

International Women's Day 2026 Nature highlights developments in women’s health research and career guidance for women in science.

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...

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 🧠

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.

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...

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.

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

Such a great experience, thanks for having me!

Grateful to the editors, scientists, and readers who made this work possible.
Here’s to more stories, more connections, and more growth in 2026! 🌟

The weight-loss drugs being tested in 2025: will they beat Ozempic? Drug companies are trialling a host of medications that they hope will offer benefits beyond weight loss.

⚖️ For @nature.com, I looked at the next generation of weight-loss medications, as researchers build on drugs like Ozempic to create treatments that are more effective & accessible: www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Sleep doesn’t just consolidate memories; it actively shapes them The rapid eye movement (REM) phase preserves newly acquired memories, but deeper non-REM sleep helps to adapt and update them, according to “heroic” day-long electrode recordings in rats.

😴 For @thetransmitter.bsky.social, I explored how sleep doesn’t just consolidate memories, but actively shapes them: www.thetransmitter.org/sleep/sleep-...

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.

🧑‍🔬 I collaborated on two @nature.com stories examining how changes under the Trump administration are prompting some scientists to leave the US—and how governments worldwide are launching programmes to attract them: www.nature.com/articles/d41... & 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.

🔥 For @nature.com, I covered Europe’s record-breaking summer of 2025, as extreme heatwaves drove heat-related deaths, wildfires, and unprecedented strain on power systems: www.nature.com/articles/d41...

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.

🧠 For @thetransmitter.bsky.social, I reported on new research suggesting autism may not be a single continuous spectrum, but a collection of distinct subtypes, each with its own genetic signature: www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/fou...

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🧵

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.

@giorgiag-sciwriter.bsky.social covers emerging genetics research that could help reveal why autism is more common in boys:

www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/gen...

Read my latest for @thetransmitter.bsky.social 👇

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.

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

go.nature.com/4mGgJWn

Tipsy bats and perfect pasta: Ig Nobels celebrate ‘improbable’ research The annual awards are a celebration of weird but thought-provoking science.

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

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

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.

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.

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...

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!

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.

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...

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!

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.

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...

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

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.

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...

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