Jess Bell, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Massively parallel assessment of gene regulatory activity at human cortical structure associated variants

Feb 8, 2025 | biorxiv.org | Nana Matoba |Oleh Krupa |Jess Bell |Jessica C. McAffee

AbstractGenetic association studies have identified hundreds of largely non-coding loci associated with inter-individual differences in the structure of the human cortex, though the specific genetic variants that impact regulatory activity are unknown. We implemented a Massively Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) to measure the regulatory activity of 9,092 cortical structure associated DNA variants in human neural progenitor cells during Wnt stimulation and at baseline.
Gain clinically relevant, neuroanatomical knowledge with a brand new Plus programme

Sep 9, 2024 | physiospot.com | Jess Bell

Your key to unlocking the human nervous system…learn about neuroanatomy and function of this complex yet versatile communication system with these beautiful resources that will give you a better understanding of nervous system dysfunction and disease. The human nervous system is one of the most complex yet versatile communication systems on Earth. It creates movement and emotions, stores memories, fosters creativity, and sustains our essential life functions.
New Plus course will help all healthcare professionals to support mums who want to breastfeed

Jul 3, 2024 | physiospot.com | Jess Bell

Breastfeeding is a powerful tool for promoting the health and wellbeing of infants and mothers but many new mothers feel unsupported in their breastfeeding journey. Every healthcare provider has the potential to have a positive impact in supporting new mothers and this new course from Physiopedia Plus (Plus) will tell you how. Whether or not we work in women’s health, almost all healthcare professionals will encounter women who are breastfeeding at some stage in our clinical practice.
Mum-of-three wakes up to quadruple amputation

Jun 4, 2024 | thatslife.com.au | A Stingray |Jess Bell

Wendy Wallace woke up one day to find her life had changed foreverStuffing laundry into the washing machine, I whizzed through my to-do list in my head. A mum to three teenagers, Mike Jr, then 18, Megan, 16, and Matthew, 13, life was busy. My husband, Mike, 44, worked full time and I ran a business from home. It was full on, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. But one day, I woke up feeling more tired than usual. ‘I think I’ve got the flu,’ I said to Mike.
I Dream of an Atheist President

Mar 14, 2024 | medium.com | Jess Bell

I dream of an atheist presidentA president who stands up for policies that are sound, evidence-basedA president who recognizes that most things are multi-sidedA president who represents a growing population of unaffiliated, etc. Is it too much to ask for (a)religious diversity in representation?
Why am I an atheist, not an agnostic?

Nov 30, 2023 | medium.com | Jess Bell

It took me years to realize I didn't belong to my family's fundamentalist Christian church, and years again to realize I didn't belong to Christianity at all - stories for another day. But once I'd completed those two key journeys, the hop from agnosticism to atheism was quick. Here's why. As I understand it, people who identify as agnostics essentially feel that they cannot say whether there is or is not a god.
The attempted baptism: Part 3

Oct 31, 2023 | medium.com | Jess Bell

Years after the events of this story, when I no longer considered myself a Christian but only a preacher's daughter forced to go to church to save face, my Dad asked me what my favorite Bible verse was. I stared at him, gaping, until I finally thought of one. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. In telling my Dad this, I thought that he might hear my plea for help.
The attempted baptism: Part 2

Oct 31, 2023 | medium.com | Jess Bell

In Sunday School one, our teacher told us about a new class segment. She wanted each of us to take a turn at teaching a class, and I had eagerly volunteered to go first. That afternoon, between morning and evening services, I scribbled ideas in my notebook. Generally, I knew I wanted to teach about the Book of Daniel, the topic of Dad's latest sermon series.
The attempted baptism: Part 1

Oct 30, 2023 | medium.com | Jess Bell

My Christianity started to die on a Sunday. At the time, I didn't know the long, slow process of alienation was beginning. I was still in the days of peace with my god and with my father, the Preacher, striving for absolute devotion to my religion. That Sunday started like every other Sunday in our household. I let myself into the station wagon rumble seat, the first one in my family ready to head off to church services. "Did you bring your Bible, Heather?" Mom asked as she got in the car.