Amanda Heidt

Amanda Heidt

Amanda is a freelance science writer living in Utah. Midway through her master’s degree in marine science, she realized how few scientists felt comfortable engaging with the public about their work. She challenged herself to share her research and ultimately went on to complete a second master’s in science communication at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Formerly an intern at The Scientist, she is now a freelance contributor. Read more of her work at www.amandaheidt.com.

Articles by Amanda Heidt
Slideshow: Watch Insects in Motion
Slideshow: Watch Insects in Motion
Amanda Heidt | Mar 1, 2021
Researchers across disciplines are adopting high-tech tools to better understand the kinematics and behaviors behind insect flight.
Free Fallin’: How Scientists Study Unrestrained Insects
Free Fallin’: How Scientists Study Unrestrained Insects
Amanda Heidt | Mar 1, 2021
Researchers are pulling from video games, sports broadcasting, meteorology, and even missile guidance technology to better investigate how insects have mastered flight.
Infographic: VR, Radar, and Other Tricks for Studying Insects
Infographic: VR, Radar, and Other Tricks for Studying Insects
Amanda Heidt | Mar 1, 2021
Researchers are getting creative to understand flight behavior in the fast-moving and tiny animals.
What Pseudoviruses Bring to the Study of SARS-CoV-2
What Pseudoviruses Bring to the Study of SARS-CoV-2
Amanda Heidt | Feb 16, 2021
Engineered viruses that don’t replicate provide a tractable model for scientists to safely study SARS-CoV-2, including research into vaccine efficacy and emerging variants.
Naked Mole Rat Colonies Have Their Own Unique Dialects
Naked Mole Rat Colonies Have Their Own Unique Dialects
Amanda Heidt | Feb 4, 2021
Chirp dialects appear to be enforced by the colony’s queen, but scientists aren’t sure how. 
Andrew Brooks, Designer of COVID-19 Saliva Test, Dies at 51
Andrew Brooks, Designer of COVID-19 Saliva Test, Dies at 51
Amanda Heidt | Feb 2, 2021
The Rutgers University researcher created the first FDA-authorized spit test, which has since been used by millions of people.
STRANGE Framework Addresses Bias in Animal Behavior Research
STRANGE Framework Addresses Bias in Animal Behavior Research
Amanda Heidt | Jan 27, 2021
The journal Ethology is the first to adopt the guidelines, aimed at clarifying experimental design and the potential biases within.
Mice Share Each Other’s Pain and Fear
Mice Share Each Other’s Pain and Fear
Amanda Heidt | Jan 14, 2021
The animals adopt the emotional state of their cagemates, and the parts of the brain engaged during the process are different for pain and fear, according to a new study.
Q&A: Brown Fat Linked to Better Cardio and Metabolic Health
Q&A: Brown Fat Linked to Better Cardio and Metabolic Health
Amanda Heidt | Jan 12, 2021
Paul Cohen of the Rockefeller University describes his study of thousands of people, finding that the energy-burning tissue is tied to a lower risk of for several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Science Advocates’ Wishlist for the Biden Administration
Science Advocates’ Wishlist for the Biden Administration
Amanda Heidt | Jan 7, 2021
From immigration reform to climate change amelioration, researchers and science policy advocates share their hopes for 2021 and beyond.