Isabella Backman
@izzybackman.bsky.social
Senior Science Writer and Editor at Yale School of Medicine and freelance science journalist
Pinned
Isabella Backman
@izzybackman.bsky.social
· Jun 24
After menopause, ovaries may transform into organs with immune powers
Mouse and human data suggest ovaries develop a new function after reproductive duties end
www.science.org
For @science.org, I reported on fascinating research from @nuduncanlab.bsky.social that has found that the ovaries undergo a surprising transformation after menopause.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
For @science.org , I wrote about brain-eating amoeba 🦠 and fascinating new research led by @katrinavelle.bsky.social which could help explain how the usually harmless pond-dweller ends up in the brain.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
‘Brain-eating amoeba’ appears to love crawling into narrow spaces
Claustrophilic behavior may help Naegleria fowleri find food—and accidentally travel up the human nasal cavity
www.science.org
August 19, 2026 at 4:55 PM
For @science.org , I wrote about brain-eating amoeba 🦠 and fascinating new research led by @katrinavelle.bsky.social which could help explain how the usually harmless pond-dweller ends up in the brain.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
For @science.org, I reported on fascinating research from @nuduncanlab.bsky.social that has found that the ovaries undergo a surprising transformation after menopause.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
After menopause, ovaries may transform into organs with immune powers
Mouse and human data suggest ovaries develop a new function after reproductive duties end
www.science.org
June 24, 2026 at 6:46 PM
For @science.org, I reported on fascinating research from @nuduncanlab.bsky.social that has found that the ovaries undergo a surprising transformation after menopause.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
A new study has discovered that brains of autistic people have fewer of a receptor for glutamate, the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
The findings could help explain various characteristics linked to autism.
@j-mcpartland.bsky.social
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
The findings could help explain various characteristics linked to autism.
@j-mcpartland.bsky.social
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
Researchers Discover Molecular Difference in Autistic Brains
Brains of autistic individuals have fewer of a specific kind of glutamate receptor, supporting an idea that autism is driven by a signaling imbalance.
medicine.yale.edu
January 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM
A new study has discovered that brains of autistic people have fewer of a receptor for glutamate, the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
The findings could help explain various characteristics linked to autism.
@j-mcpartland.bsky.social
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
The findings could help explain various characteristics linked to autism.
@j-mcpartland.bsky.social
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
In a 1.3 billion dollar deal, Merck acquired Modifi Bio last fall.
I cover one research team's journey to develop a novel drug for glioblastoma, and a young patient who inspired the team to push forward even when on the verge of running out of funding.
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
I cover one research team's journey to develop a novel drug for glioblastoma, and a young patient who inspired the team to push forward even when on the verge of running out of funding.
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
For Families Battling Brain Cancer, New Treatment Brings Hope
A Yale spinout developed a new drug for treatment-resistant glioblastomas that could reach patients as soon as next year.
medicine.yale.edu
December 15, 2025 at 4:13 PM
In a 1.3 billion dollar deal, Merck acquired Modifi Bio last fall.
I cover one research team's journey to develop a novel drug for glioblastoma, and a young patient who inspired the team to push forward even when on the verge of running out of funding.
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
I cover one research team's journey to develop a novel drug for glioblastoma, and a young patient who inspired the team to push forward even when on the verge of running out of funding.
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
A team of 38 scientists from around the world have come together to call for a global discussion about the unprecedented risks that mirror bacteria. I spoke with immunobiologist Ruslan Medzhitov to learn more about this emerging threat.
Check out the Q&A here
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
Check out the Q&A here
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
Q&A: How ‘Mirror Bacteria’ Could Take a Devastating Toll on Humanity
Scientists are raising alarms about the potential risks of “mirror bacteria,” synthetic organisms composed of reversed molecular structures that could
medicine.yale.edu
December 20, 2024 at 7:31 PM
A team of 38 scientists from around the world have come together to call for a global discussion about the unprecedented risks that mirror bacteria. I spoke with immunobiologist Ruslan Medzhitov to learn more about this emerging threat.
Check out the Q&A here
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
Check out the Q&A here
medicine.yale.edu/news-article...