Amanda Schaffer

Young Biodesigners Unveil Clever Ideas for a Cleaner World

Student competitors turn jellyfish, microorganisms, and even hair cells into useful things.

By Amanda Schaffer

Brain Disorders May Start in the Gut — So Let’s Treat Them There

Dogfish sharks produce a remarkable antibacterial compound that might halt symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

By Amanda Schaffer

Neurotribe Finds Promised Land

Ultra Testing shows that autism in the workplace can be a feature, not a bug.

By Amanda Schaffer

The Deepest Free Diver of Them All

Facing troubling news in his DNA, William Trubridge displays a competitive advantage not found in his genome: equanimity

By Amanda Schaffer

The Genetic Secrets of the World’s Greatest Free Diver

William Trubridge’s genome reveals some of his superpowers — and why his training is riskier than he ever imagined. Part two of a three-part series.

By Amanda Schaffer

Decoding the Diver

William Trubridge is shredding world records in free diving. Is the secret to his success lurking in his genome?

By Amanda Schaffer