Amanda Heidt

Amanda Heidt

Midway through her master’s degree in marine science, Amanda realized how few scientists felt comfortable speaking 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 joined the staff in March 2021 as assistant editor, writing for all sections of the print magazine and website and editing the Scientist to Watch, Foundations, and Short Lit sections from her home in Utah. Read more of her work at www.amandaheidt.com.

Articles by Amanda Heidt
Prominent Plant Geneticist Accused of Sexual Harassment
Prominent Plant Geneticist Accused of Sexual Harassment
Amanda Heidt | Oct 1, 2021
Female scientists in Mexico have filed at least four formal complaints alleging abuse by Jean-Philippe Vielle Calzada of the National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity.
Bless You: Mouse Model Reveals Molecular Pathway Behind Sneezing
Bless You: Mouse Model Reveals Molecular Pathway Behind Sneezing
Amanda Heidt | Oct 1, 2021
Researchers have identified specific cells and neuropeptides involved in mediating the sneeze response in mice exposed to allergens or chemical irritants such as capsaicin.
Infographic: The Neural Pathway of Sneezing
Infographic: The Neural Pathway of Sneezing
Amanda Heidt | Oct 1, 2021
A mouse study identifies the brain regions and specific signaling factors that regulate the sneeze response.
Q&A: The Transgenerational Effects of Indigenous Residential Schools
Q&A: The Transgenerational Effects of Indigenous Residential Schools
Amanda Heidt | Sep 30, 2021
The Scientist spoke with Evan Adams, a First Nations physician, about how the health legacy of oppressive government-owned schools, including his parents’ experiences, has influenced his own life.
How Wildfire Smoke Raises Infectious Disease Risk
How Wildfire Smoke Raises Infectious Disease Risk
Amanda Heidt | Sep 8, 2021
As fires blanket growing swathes of the West, scientists are beginning to understand more about how their smoke affects the transmission and severity of COVID-19 and other illnesses, and how it differs from that of other types of air pollution.
Q&A: Health of 9/11 First Responders 20 Years Later
Q&A: Health of 9/11 First Responders 20 Years Later
Amanda Heidt | Sep 7, 2021
The Scientist spoke with Rachel Zeig-Owens, the director of epidemiology for the World Trade Center Health Program, about what scientists have learned after two decades of studying illness and disease among survivors.
Infographic: A Yeast Model for Studying Histone Modifications
Infographic: A Yeast Model for Studying Histone Modifications
Amanda Heidt | Sep 1, 2021
The methodology involves modifying histones and displaying them on the cell surface for analysis.
Yeast “Mini Labs” Help Researchers Probe Histone Modifications
Yeast “Mini Labs” Help Researchers Probe Histone Modifications
Amanda Heidt | Sep 1, 2021
By harnessing a unique property of yeast, scientists can synthesize histones and the enzymes that modify these proteins, which spool DNA and influence gene expression.
Researchers in Ida’s Destructive Path Brace for Disruptions
Researchers in Ida’s Destructive Path Brace for Disruptions
Amanda Heidt, Annie Melchor | Aug 30, 2021
The storm, which made landfall over the weekend as a Category 4 hurricane and has since weakened, forced the evacuation of multiple Louisiana campuses.
Participant’s Diagnosis Halts Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
Participant’s Diagnosis Halts Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
Amanda Heidt | Aug 12, 2021
The FDA pauses the research program on a lentivirus-based treatment for a rare neurological condition after a patient developed a bone marrow disorder that could presage leukemia.