Diana Kwon
@dianakwon.bsky.social
Journalist covering life sciences, health, and academia. Bylines in Scientific American, Nature, Knowable & others.
www.dianakwon.com
www.dianakwon.com
Pinned
Disruptions in This Sixth Sense May Drive Mental Illness
Disruptions in interoception may underlie anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health ailments
www.scientificamerican.com
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social explores the research connecting problems with interoception to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, & PTSD. This work is ultimately circling in on a central message: the body & mind are inextricably intertwined.
Reposted by Diana Kwon
A researchers’ propensity for risky projects is passed down to their doctoral students — and stays with trainees after they leave the laboratory
go.nature.com/4sHq58H
go.nature.com/4sHq58H
PhD students’ taste for risk mirrors their supervisors’
Learned risk-taking behaviours can persist for years after leaving the lab — and even after taking on a new research topic.
go.nature.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM
A researchers’ propensity for risky projects is passed down to their doctoral students — and stays with trainees after they leave the laboratory
go.nature.com/4sHq58H
go.nature.com/4sHq58H
Reposted by Diana Kwon
The infection enigma: why some people die from typically harmless germs
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com @dianakwon.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
The infection enigma: why some people die from typically harmless germs
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com @dianakwon.bsky.social
(Reposting to edit a typo!)
December 19, 2025 at 8:29 AM
(Reposting to edit a typo!)
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social explores the research connecting problems with interoception to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, & PTSD. This work is ultimately circling in on a central message: the body & mind are inextricably intertwined.
Disruptions in This Sixth Sense May Drive Mental Illness
Disruptions in interoception may underlie anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health ailments
www.scientificamerican.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:29 AM
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social explores the research connecting problems with interoception to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, & PTSD. This work is ultimately circling in on a central message: the body & mind are inextricably intertwined.
Reposted by Diana Kwon
New writeup on interoception in Scientific American focusing on its role in mental health:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/inte...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/inte...
Disruptions in This Sixth Sense May Drive Mental Illness
Disruptions in interoception may underlie anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health ailments
www.scientificamerican.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:59 PM
New writeup on interoception in Scientific American focusing on its role in mental health:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/inte...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/inte...
My latet feature for @sciam.bsky.social, explores the research connecting problems with interoception to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, & PTSD. This work is ultimately circling in on a central message: the body & mind are inextricably intertwined.
Disruptions in This Sixth Sense May Drive Mental Illness
Disruptions in interoception may underlie anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health ailments
www.scientificamerican.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:56 PM
My latet feature for @sciam.bsky.social, explores the research connecting problems with interoception to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, & PTSD. This work is ultimately circling in on a central message: the body & mind are inextricably intertwined.
Reposted by Diana Kwon
A new stem cell biobank—with a comprehensive database of the donors’ genetics, health history and more—provides scientists with a platform to probe mechanisms of neurodevelopmental conditions and validate therapeutics.
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/new...
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/new...
New organoid atlas unveils four neurodevelopmental signatures
The comprehensive resource details data on microcephaly, polymicrogyria, epilepsy and intellectual disability from 352 people.
www.thetransmitter.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A new stem cell biobank—with a comprehensive database of the donors’ genetics, health history and more—provides scientists with a platform to probe mechanisms of neurodevelopmental conditions and validate therapeutics.
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/new...
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/new...
Germany's a popular destination for international students and researchers. But those pursuing academic careers in the country face an intensely hierarchical system with few permanent positions.
My latest for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My latest for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How to stop the revolving door of German academia
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for students and scholars worldwide, but those pursuing academic careers face significant hurdles to success.
www.nature.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Germany's a popular destination for international students and researchers. But those pursuing academic careers in the country face an intensely hierarchical system with few permanent positions.
My latest for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My latest for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Diana Kwon
German academia: great place to work? You should think twice before giving it a try: Permanent positions are very rare, most scholars have to drop out after some precarious years. @dianakwon.bsky.social has written a great piece about this for @nature.com and also talked to yours truly. #IchBinHanna
How to stop the revolving door of German academia
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for students and scholars worldwide, but those pursuing academic careers face significant hurdles to success.
www.nature.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
German academia: great place to work? You should think twice before giving it a try: Permanent positions are very rare, most scholars have to drop out after some precarious years. @dianakwon.bsky.social has written a great piece about this for @nature.com and also talked to yours truly. #IchBinHanna
Reposted by Diana Kwon
Got the last word in this great perspective on the state of fluorescent indicators in @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How genetically encoded sensors have lit up neuroscience
Tools that track specific molecules in neurons have enabled researchers to probe previously unexplored aspects of neurobiology — although important caveats remain.
www.nature.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Got the last word in this great perspective on the state of fluorescent indicators in @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Diana Kwon
“This new class of genetically encoded sensors has really opened up this world.” New @nature.com, what's new in the world of genetically encoded neurochemical sensors. by @dianakwon.bsky.social 🧪 🧠
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How genetically encoded sensors have lit up neuroscience
Tools that track specific molecules in neurons have enabled researchers to probe previously unexplored aspects of neurobiology — although important caveats remain.
www.nature.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
“This new class of genetically encoded sensors has really opened up this world.” New @nature.com, what's new in the world of genetically encoded neurochemical sensors. by @dianakwon.bsky.social 🧪 🧠
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Diana Kwon
A new dopamine sensor enables neuroscientists to simultaneously monitor the activity of two additional signaling chemicals in the brains of living mice and zebrafish.
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/methods/new-...
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/methods/new-...
New dopamine sensor powers three-color imaging in live animals
The tool leverages a previously unused segment of the color spectrum to track the neurotransmitter and can be used with two additional sensors to monitor other neurochemicals at different wavelengths.
www.thetransmitter.org
July 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A new dopamine sensor enables neuroscientists to simultaneously monitor the activity of two additional signaling chemicals in the brains of living mice and zebrafish.
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/methods/new-...
By @dianakwon.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/methods/new-...
Reposted by Diana Kwon
Older cells that have outlived their purpose don’t necessarily die — in fact, these “zombie cells” can use more energy than their younger counterparts. Their revved-up metabolism may drive some of the wear and tear of aging, @dianakwon.bsky.social reports in @nature.com
How your brain controls ageing — and why zombie cells could be key
Research is revealing the cellular mechanisms that link mental well-being and longevity.
www.nature.com
July 3, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Older cells that have outlived their purpose don’t necessarily die — in fact, these “zombie cells” can use more energy than their younger counterparts. Their revved-up metabolism may drive some of the wear and tear of aging, @dianakwon.bsky.social reports in @nature.com
Reposted by Diana Kwon
The brain's master conductor role in our aging process
New feature @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
New feature @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
June 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The brain's master conductor role in our aging process
New feature @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
New feature @nature.com by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Diana Kwon
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down? <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zzj6e3hixqv6xv45xa5i5wnc" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky-mention">@knowablemag.bsky.social
vist.ly/3n535it
vist.ly/3n535it
How Stress Shapes Cancer’s Course
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
www.brainfacts.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down? <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zzj6e3hixqv6xv45xa5i5wnc" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky-mention">@knowablemag.bsky.social
vist.ly/3n535it
vist.ly/3n535it
Reposted by Diana Kwon
People with #cancer may experience a wide range of stressors, both related and unrelated to the disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that these may influence how a tumor grows and spreads.
Learn more in @dianakwon.bsky.social's recent report, republished by @brainfactsorg.bsky.social 👇
Learn more in @dianakwon.bsky.social's recent report, republished by @brainfactsorg.bsky.social 👇
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down? <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zzj6e3hixqv6xv45xa5i5wnc" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky-mention">@knowablemag.bsky.social
vist.ly/3n535it
vist.ly/3n535it
How Stress Shapes Cancer’s Course
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
www.brainfacts.org
May 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
People with #cancer may experience a wide range of stressors, both related and unrelated to the disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that these may influence how a tumor grows and spreads.
Learn more in @dianakwon.bsky.social's recent report, republished by @brainfactsorg.bsky.social 👇
Learn more in @dianakwon.bsky.social's recent report, republished by @brainfactsorg.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Diana Kwon
AIs can classify illnesses, predict treatment outcomes & identify markers of disease. Chatbots can assist physicians and researchers seeking to decipher the data hidden in stained slices of tissue. New by @dianakwon.bsky.social @nature.com, the growing use of #AI in #digitalpathology 🧪
How artificial intelligence is transforming pathology
Some researchers say that deep-learning ‘foundation’ models will revolutionize the field — but others are not so sure.
www.nature.com
May 23, 2025 at 5:22 PM
AIs can classify illnesses, predict treatment outcomes & identify markers of disease. Chatbots can assist physicians and researchers seeking to decipher the data hidden in stained slices of tissue. New by @dianakwon.bsky.social @nature.com, the growing use of #AI in #digitalpathology 🧪
What do scientists think about using AI to write papers? @richvn.bsky.social & I put together a survey to find out--and more than 5,000 researchers took part.
Our survey reveals a divided landscape: Researchers don't always agree on what they view as appropriate.
My latest for @nature.com
Our survey reveals a divided landscape: Researchers don't always agree on what they view as appropriate.
My latest for @nature.com
Is it OK for AI to write science papers? Nature survey shows researchers are split
Poll of 5,000 researchers finds contrasting views on when it’s acceptable to involve AI and what needs to be disclosed.
www.nature.com
May 19, 2025 at 9:26 AM
What do scientists think about using AI to write papers? @richvn.bsky.social & I put together a survey to find out--and more than 5,000 researchers took part.
Our survey reveals a divided landscape: Researchers don't always agree on what they view as appropriate.
My latest for @nature.com
Our survey reveals a divided landscape: Researchers don't always agree on what they view as appropriate.
My latest for @nature.com
Reposted by Diana Kwon
Brilliant. The "Science Homecoming" project helps scientists place articles in local papers about how Trump & Musk's cuts to science harm their communities. 🧪 on @nature.com
How we’re battling Trump’s science cuts across small-town America
Neuroscientist Jessica Cantlon is urging scientists to use the power of local newspapers in the fight against US research-funding cuts.
www.nature.com
April 24, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Brilliant. The "Science Homecoming" project helps scientists place articles in local papers about how Trump & Musk's cuts to science harm their communities. 🧪 on @nature.com
The link between stress and cancer goes back more than 2,000 years--but the research has long been messy and full of contradictions. Recent studies are starting to reveal how, exactly, psychological factors can influence tumor biology.
Learn more in my latest for @knowablemag.bsky.social!
Learn more in my latest for @knowablemag.bsky.social!
How stress shapes cancer’s course
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
knowablemagazine.org
April 10, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The link between stress and cancer goes back more than 2,000 years--but the research has long been messy and full of contradictions. Recent studies are starting to reveal how, exactly, psychological factors can influence tumor biology.
Learn more in my latest for @knowablemag.bsky.social!
Learn more in my latest for @knowablemag.bsky.social!
Reposted by Diana Kwon
“I don’t think anyone appreciated the magnitude by which even mild stress, if it’s chronic, can have such a negative influence on cancer growth.”
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
📝 @dianakwon.bsky.social for @knowablemag.bsky.social
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
📝 @dianakwon.bsky.social for @knowablemag.bsky.social
How stress shapes cancer’s course
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
knowablemagazine.org
April 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
“I don’t think anyone appreciated the magnitude by which even mild stress, if it’s chronic, can have such a negative influence on cancer growth.”
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
📝 @dianakwon.bsky.social for @knowablemag.bsky.social
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
📝 @dianakwon.bsky.social for @knowablemag.bsky.social
Reposted by Diana Kwon
The connection between stress and cancer is messy, the research difficult to do. But a clearer picture is emerging, which this @knowablemag.bsky.social story by @dianakwon.bsky.social. conveys with grace and restraint! I learned a lot, editing her story.
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
✍️ Diana Kwon
✍️ Diana Kwon
How stress shapes cancer’s course
Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down?
knowablemagazine.org
April 8, 2025 at 11:17 PM
The connection between stress and cancer is messy, the research difficult to do. But a clearer picture is emerging, which this @knowablemag.bsky.social story by @dianakwon.bsky.social. conveys with grace and restraint! I learned a lot, editing her story.
Reposted by Diana Kwon
Predicting 3D structures for proteins with A.I. is a lot easier than for RNA
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com feature by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com feature by @dianakwon.bsky.social
RNA function follows form – why is it so hard to predict?
AlphaFold’s highly accurate structural models transformed protein biology,but RNA lags behind.
www.nature.com
March 24, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Predicting 3D structures for proteins with A.I. is a lot easier than for RNA
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com feature by @dianakwon.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41... @nature.com feature by @dianakwon.bsky.social
“There is no schizophrenia. There are schizophrenias."
Researchers are discovering that schizophrenia, which can involve alterations in both the brain and the body—particularly in the immune system—doesn't look the same in everyone with the condition.
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social:
Researchers are discovering that schizophrenia, which can involve alterations in both the brain and the body—particularly in the immune system—doesn't look the same in everyone with the condition.
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social:
Schizophrenia Is More Complex Than We Thought, Which Means New Avenues for Treatment
As a complex picture of schizophrenia emerges, so do new ways to treat the disorder
www.scientificamerican.com
March 19, 2025 at 6:43 PM
“There is no schizophrenia. There are schizophrenias."
Researchers are discovering that schizophrenia, which can involve alterations in both the brain and the body—particularly in the immune system—doesn't look the same in everyone with the condition.
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social:
Researchers are discovering that schizophrenia, which can involve alterations in both the brain and the body—particularly in the immune system—doesn't look the same in everyone with the condition.
My latest feature for @sciam.bsky.social:
Reposted by Diana Kwon
I'm just sending out a survey from Nature's news team asking about ethical ways to use generative AI tools to write or review research papers.
To reassure anyone who received this email and is finding this post: this is a genuine survey! Please message me if you have questions.
To reassure anyone who received this email and is finding this post: this is a genuine survey! Please message me if you have questions.
March 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I'm just sending out a survey from Nature's news team asking about ethical ways to use generative AI tools to write or review research papers.
To reassure anyone who received this email and is finding this post: this is a genuine survey! Please message me if you have questions.
To reassure anyone who received this email and is finding this post: this is a genuine survey! Please message me if you have questions.