Shaena Montanari
@shaena.bsky.social
Associate staff writer, sleep at Wirecutter. Go Heels.
Just got back from CES, and on a related note I want to live off-grid now
January 10, 2026 at 2:52 AM
Just got back from CES, and on a related note I want to live off-grid now
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
BREAKING: Federal health officials on Monday announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children, reducing the number of diseases prevented by routine shots to 11 from 17.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
Kennedy Scales Back the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Children
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:01 PM
BREAKING: Federal health officials on Monday announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children, reducing the number of diseases prevented by routine shots to 11 from 17.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
Neuroscientists are working to solve a behavior problem in preclinical psychedelics research: Instead of identifying a simple test yielding a universal result, they are designing more nuanced tasks that better reflect human behavior.
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4jc24lW
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4jc24lW
Psychedelics research in rodents has a behavior problem
Simple behavioral assays—originally validated as drug-screening tools—fall short in studies that aim to unpack the psychedelic mechanism of action, so some behavioral neuroscientists are developing…
www.thetransmitter.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Neuroscientists are working to solve a behavior problem in preclinical psychedelics research: Instead of identifying a simple test yielding a universal result, they are designing more nuanced tasks that better reflect human behavior.
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4jc24lW
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4jc24lW
One of the funniest things I ever did was quit academia because I thought finding a job in journalism would be easier
December 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM
One of the funniest things I ever did was quit academia because I thought finding a job in journalism would be easier
I know my work is kind of silly now but we all do need a pillow. Should you get a custom pillow?
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
Can You Design Your Dream Pillow? It’s Worth a Try.
This custom pillow aims to take the guesswork out of shopping. Our sleep team put it to the test.
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I know my work is kind of silly now but we all do need a pillow. Should you get a custom pillow?
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
I’m going to CES next month! Anyone else?
December 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I’m going to CES next month! Anyone else?
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
“Basic neuroscience hasn’t produced new drugs.” 💊
Not true - zuranolone (PPD), suzetrigine (pain), gepants (migraine), and more... were born out of a long arc of studies in the lab.
I wrote a Perspective on why this matters. @thetransmitter.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/drug-develop...
Not true - zuranolone (PPD), suzetrigine (pain), gepants (migraine), and more... were born out of a long arc of studies in the lab.
I wrote a Perspective on why this matters. @thetransmitter.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/drug-develop...
How basic neuroscience has paved the path to new drugs
A growing list of medications—such as zuranolone for postpartum depression, suzetrigine for pain, and the gepants class of migraine medicines—exist because of insights from basic research.
www.thetransmitter.org
December 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
“Basic neuroscience hasn’t produced new drugs.” 💊
Not true - zuranolone (PPD), suzetrigine (pain), gepants (migraine), and more... were born out of a long arc of studies in the lab.
I wrote a Perspective on why this matters. @thetransmitter.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/drug-develop...
Not true - zuranolone (PPD), suzetrigine (pain), gepants (migraine), and more... were born out of a long arc of studies in the lab.
I wrote a Perspective on why this matters. @thetransmitter.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/drug-develop...
Just got off the list for 11/22/63 at the library. Chat what do we think about this book?
December 14, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Just got off the list for 11/22/63 at the library. Chat what do we think about this book?
Are you wondering hey, what’s the best memory foam pillow out there? I have some options for you in my FIRST GUIDE as a staff writer for Wirecutter!
I seriously never thought I’d get to have a job this cool so I am not gonna shut up about this for a while…
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
I seriously never thought I’d get to have a job this cool so I am not gonna shut up about this for a while…
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
We Tested Dozens of Memory Foam Pillows. These Are the Best.
These adjustable and single-piece memory foam pillows offer firmness and support, especially for side sleepers.
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Are you wondering hey, what’s the best memory foam pillow out there? I have some options for you in my FIRST GUIDE as a staff writer for Wirecutter!
I seriously never thought I’d get to have a job this cool so I am not gonna shut up about this for a while…
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
I seriously never thought I’d get to have a job this cool so I am not gonna shut up about this for a while…
www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
The work with bats on barren, 7-acre Latham Island was Nachum Ulanovsky’s most complex undertaking yet.
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/neuroetholog...
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/neuroetholog...
October 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The work with bats on barren, 7-acre Latham Island was Nachum Ulanovsky’s most complex undertaking yet.
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/neuroetholog...
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/neuroetholog...
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
The FDA wants to expand the use of leucovorin to treat autism traits, based on an analysis of the scientific research. @thetransmitter.bsky.social has obtained the list of 23 studies.
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/exc...
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/exc...
Exclusive: The 23 studies the FDA based its expanded leucovorin label on
The studies include 46 people, mostly toddlers, who have cerebral folate deficiency due to variants in a folate transporter.
www.thetransmitter.org
October 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The FDA wants to expand the use of leucovorin to treat autism traits, based on an analysis of the scientific research. @thetransmitter.bsky.social has obtained the list of 23 studies.
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/exc...
By @claudia-lopez.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/exc...
They got me
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
October 1, 2025 at 5:53 PM
They got me
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
As we're all taught, you can (usually) only directly date the age of a rock if it cooled from lava.
But here, scientists have dated dinosaur eggs, using uranium-lead ratios in the calcite. Hugely exciting, maybe groundbreaking.
My take @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
But here, scientists have dated dinosaur eggs, using uranium-lead ratios in the calcite. Hugely exciting, maybe groundbreaking.
My take @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
Scientists directly date dino eggshells for the first time
The new findings narrow age estimates for the clutch of eggs—and may help identify which species laid them
www.science.org
September 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
As we're all taught, you can (usually) only directly date the age of a rock if it cooled from lava.
But here, scientists have dated dinosaur eggs, using uranium-lead ratios in the calcite. Hugely exciting, maybe groundbreaking.
My take @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
But here, scientists have dated dinosaur eggs, using uranium-lead ratios in the calcite. Hugely exciting, maybe groundbreaking.
My take @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
We lost Mark Norell today. Dinosaur hunter extraordinaire. The coolest dude alive. My PhD supervisor.
Wherever you are, raise a glass of your favorite lager or single malt, as it is what Mark would want.
Wherever you are, raise a glass of your favorite lager or single malt, as it is what Mark would want.
September 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We lost Mark Norell today. Dinosaur hunter extraordinaire. The coolest dude alive. My PhD supervisor.
Wherever you are, raise a glass of your favorite lager or single malt, as it is what Mark would want.
Wherever you are, raise a glass of your favorite lager or single malt, as it is what Mark would want.
Just so saddened to lose my doctoral supervisor and mentor Mark Norell today. He was one of a kind and his personality almost defies description. A legendary scientist but also human. I will be missing him so much.
September 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Just so saddened to lose my doctoral supervisor and mentor Mark Norell today. He was one of a kind and his personality almost defies description. A legendary scientist but also human. I will be missing him so much.
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
New: I teamed up with @elenashao.bsky.social
and nytgraphics to map more than 100 public TV and radio stations that are at risk of closing as a result of tonight's vote:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is a time bomb that will go off in the fall, when the last federal grants run out.
and nytgraphics to map more than 100 public TV and radio stations that are at risk of closing as a result of tonight's vote:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is a time bomb that will go off in the fall, when the last federal grants run out.
Where Congress’s Cuts Threaten Access to PBS and NPR
The loss of federal funding threatens scores of public TV and radio stations across the United States.
www.nytimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:29 AM
New: I teamed up with @elenashao.bsky.social
and nytgraphics to map more than 100 public TV and radio stations that are at risk of closing as a result of tonight's vote:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is a time bomb that will go off in the fall, when the last federal grants run out.
and nytgraphics to map more than 100 public TV and radio stations that are at risk of closing as a result of tonight's vote:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is a time bomb that will go off in the fall, when the last federal grants run out.
Today is my first day at @nytwirecutter.bsky.social! Beginning my journey of learning about sleep products such as mattresses, sunrise alarm clocks and more. 💤
July 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Today is my first day at @nytwirecutter.bsky.social! Beginning my journey of learning about sleep products such as mattresses, sunrise alarm clocks and more. 💤
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
Leafcutter ants’ specialized roles can be reprogrammed by adjusting two neuropeptides, a new Cell study shows. And the molecular mechanisms that control the labor roles of ants may also be conserved in mammals.
By @shaena.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/social-behav...
By @shaena.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/social-behav...
Neuropeptides reprogram social roles in leafcutter ants
The mechanisms that control the labor roles of ants may also be conserved in naked mole rats, a new study shows.
www.thetransmitter.org
July 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Leafcutter ants’ specialized roles can be reprogrammed by adjusting two neuropeptides, a new Cell study shows. And the molecular mechanisms that control the labor roles of ants may also be conserved in mammals.
By @shaena.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/social-behav...
By @shaena.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/social-behav...
Bittersweet: today is my last day at The Transmitter. I had a great time working here and writing about fascinating work in the field of neuroscience. Also if you just follow me for brain stuff there won't be as much of that anymore, so I apologize. Although...new exciting things are on the horizon!
July 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Bittersweet: today is my last day at The Transmitter. I had a great time working here and writing about fascinating work in the field of neuroscience. Also if you just follow me for brain stuff there won't be as much of that anymore, so I apologize. Although...new exciting things are on the horizon!
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows. Gift link: nyti.ms/44KFFFv
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows
An analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science shows the impact of the administration’s budget plan on the kind of studies that produce the most breakthroughs.
nyti.ms
July 10, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows. Gift link: nyti.ms/44KFFFv
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
A 2022 Nature paper identifying a cell type linked to the brain cancer medulloblastoma has been retracted after an independent reanalysis questioned the cell type’s existence, despite objections from the original authors.
By @shaena.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/cell-types/n...
By @shaena.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/cell-types/n...
Nature retracts paper on novel brain cell type
A 2022 paper was retracted after an independent team of researchers reanalyzed the data and questioned its validity.
www.thetransmitter.org
July 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A 2022 Nature paper identifying a cell type linked to the brain cancer medulloblastoma has been retracted after an independent reanalysis questioned the cell type’s existence, despite objections from the original authors.
By @shaena.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/cell-types/n...
By @shaena.bsky.social
www.thetransmitter.org/cell-types/n...
Reposted by Shaena Montanari
Our award-winning news team is looking for an enthusiastic trade journalist to join our fast-paced newsroom in NYC. This is an excellent opportunity for a science journalist to develop a beat in the field of neuroscience. For more info, please visit: bit.ly/4nvAy4k
#neuroskyence
#neuroskyence
Reporter, The Transmitter
The Transmitter offers up-to-date news and analysis of the field of neuroscience and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections. Our award-winning news ...
simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
July 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Our award-winning news team is looking for an enthusiastic trade journalist to join our fast-paced newsroom in NYC. This is an excellent opportunity for a science journalist to develop a beat in the field of neuroscience. For more info, please visit: bit.ly/4nvAy4k
#neuroskyence
#neuroskyence
My favorite writer wrote about sleep! Or lack thereof...a predictably excellent story from Jennifer Senior at The Atlantic. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Why Can’t Americans Sleep?
Insomnia has become a public-health emergency.
www.theatlantic.com
July 3, 2025 at 4:05 PM
My favorite writer wrote about sleep! Or lack thereof...a predictably excellent story from Jennifer Senior at The Atlantic. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Are you a science journalist who loves neuroscience? There's an opening for you here! Happy to answer any questions.
Our award-winning news team is looking for an enthusiastic trade journalist to join our fast-paced newsroom in NYC. This is an excellent opportunity for a science journalist to develop a beat in the field of neuroscience. For more info, please visit: bit.ly/4nvAy4k
#neuroskyence
#neuroskyence
Reporter, The Transmitter
The Transmitter offers up-to-date news and analysis of the field of neuroscience and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections. Our award-winning news ...
simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
July 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Are you a science journalist who loves neuroscience? There's an opening for you here! Happy to answer any questions.