Sign in

Isabella Backman

@izzybackman.bsky.social
20 followers 9 following 5 posts

Senior Science Writer and Editor at Yale School of Medicine and freelance science journalist

PostsRepliesMedia
Isabella Backman @izzybackman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
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...
science.org
‘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
04012
Isabella Backman @izzybackman.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
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...
science.org
After menopause, ovaries may transform into organs with immune powers
Mouse and human data suggest ovaries develop a new function after reproductive duties end
05221
Isabella Backman @izzybackman.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
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...
medicine.yale.edu
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.
011
Isabella Backman @izzybackman.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
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...
medicine.yale.edu
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.
000
Isabella Backman @izzybackman.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
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...
medicine.yale.edu
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
120