Amanda Heidt

Amanda Heidt

Amanda is a freelance science writer living in the Bay Area. 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 University of California, Santa Cruz. As The Scientist’s intern, she writes content for both print and online. Read more of her work at www.amandaheidt.com.

Articles by Amanda Heidt
Pioneering Molecular Virologist Flossie Wong-Staal Dies
Pioneering Molecular Virologist Flossie Wong-Staal Dies
Amanda Heidt | Jul 14, 2020
The University of California, San Diego, researcher helped identify the HIV retrovirus responsible for AIDS and developed treatments still in use today.
Heart Attack Elevates Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study
Heart Attack Elevates Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study
Amanda Heidt | Jul 13, 2020
Mice that experienced heart attacks underwent a large-scale shift in their immune systems that allowed cancer to flourish, perhaps explaining the observation in patients.
New Gene Editing Tool Corrects Mutations in Mitochondrial DNA
New Gene Editing Tool Corrects Mutations in Mitochondrial DNA
Amanda Heidt | Jul 9, 2020
An enzyme pulled from toxic bacteria can enter the organelle and perform single-nucleotide DNA swaps.
Saliva Tests: How They Work and What They Bring to COVID-19
Saliva Tests: How They Work and What They Bring to COVID-19
Amanda Heidt | Jul 9, 2020
Universities and healthcare facilities are planning to use spit tests to conduct large-scale screening.
Dozens More Cases of Neurological Problems in COVID-19 Reported  
Dozens More Cases of Neurological Problems in COVID-19 Reported  
Amanda Heidt | Jul 8, 2020
SARS-CoV-2 generally attacks the lungs, but researchers are also stressing its effects on the brain in a fraction of patients.
Scientists Urge Consideration of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Scientists Urge Consideration of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Amanda Heidt | Jul 6, 2020
An open letter points to outbreaks that cannot be explained by large droplets and contact with surfaces alone.
FDA to Require 50 Percent Efficacy for COVID-19 Vaccines
FDA to Require 50 Percent Efficacy for COVID-19 Vaccines
Amanda Heidt | Jul 1, 2020
Vaccine experts divided on whether that level of protection is too low or too demanding.
New Journal to Publish Reviews of COVID-19 Preprints
New Journal to Publish Reviews of COVID-19 Preprints
Amanda Heidt | Jun 29, 2020
The open access publication will use AI to identify the most pressing manuscripts in need of peer review.
CRISPR Gene Editing Prompts Chaos in DNA of Human Embryos
CRISPR Gene Editing Prompts Chaos in DNA of Human Embryos
Amanda Heidt | Jun 26, 2020
Three studies identify unintended consequences of gene editing in human embryos, including large deletions and reshuffling of DNA.
Arctic Swelters Under 38 °C Heat Wave
Arctic Swelters Under 38 °C Heat Wave
Amanda Heidt | Jun 24, 2020
The possibly record-breaking temps follow the warmest winter on record in the region.