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Laura Tran, PhD

Laura Tran, PhD

Laura joined The Scientist as an assistant editor in 2023. She has a background in microbiology and earned her PhD in biomedical sciences from Rush University. Her research focused on how circadian rhythms and alcohol affect the gut. 

Articles by Laura Tran, PhD
Image of a hand holding yellow pills in front of a leafy vegetable background.
Vitamin K Precursor Takes On Prostate Cancer
Laura Tran, PhD | Jan 2, 2025 | 5 min read
Long focused on antioxidants, researchers are now exploring a new route to combat prostate cancer: pro-oxidants.
Image of Streptomyces coelicolor (center), which produces the blue antibiotic actinorhodin, inhibiting the growth of yellow Myxoccous xanthus colonies (periphery).
The Art of Biofilm Photography: From Petri Dish to Portrait
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 17, 2024 | 4 min read
A microbiologist blends science and art to bring biofilms to life. His work, showcased in museums and books, captivates scientists and curious minds alike.
Image of colored blobs comprised of individual dots. Each dot represents an immune cell and dots of the same color belong to the same cell type.
Charting the Human Immune Health Atlas
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 16, 2024 | 2 min read
Researchers mapped the landscape of healthy immune cells from childhood through adulthood.
Image of Anne Madden standing along the edge of water. She wears a black outfit and is holding a tube in her hand.
Inside the Microbial Jungle: Tales from a Microbe Whisperer
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 13, 2024 | 10 min read
Anne Madden sees the beauty and brawn of creepy-crawly microbes and how they may hold the solution to many human problems.
Headshot of Melissa Kay. She is wearing a black top under a red cardigan as she smiles at the camera.
Meet the Team: Melissa Kay
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 13, 2024 | 4 min read
Melissa Kay’s passion for science transitioned from the lab into a career focused on scientific engagement in the social media landscape.
Image of Brussels sprouts and endives on a wooden background.
Greens and Genes: The Bitter Truth Behind Your Veggie Preferences
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 10, 2024 | 5 min read
From Brussels sprouts to chicory, some veggies pack a bitter punch, but genetics and individual differences create a unique flavor experience for everyone.
Image of concentric circles cut into a grass lawn.
Bacteria’s Stress Strategy: Slow Down to Avoid the Crowd
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 2, 2024 | 4 min read
Computer simulations highlight how bacteria slow their growth to avoid overcrowding, a behavior that may inform pathogen control. 
Image of an axon, with a callout box highlighting a portion of the cell membrane. It depicts three different electrodes and ion channels along the membrane.
What’s the Difference Between a Voltage Clamp and a Current Clamp?
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 2, 2024 | 2 min read
Depending on the “clamped” parameter, patch clamp configurations probe different aspects of a cell's electrical activity.
A 3D rendered model of a glutamic acid molecule with other organic molecules floating around it.
Protein Makeover with Custom Amino Acids
Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 2, 2024 | 2 min read
With a plug-and-play strategy, researchers engineer proteins with new functions.
Image of a showerhead with running water. There is a soap dispenser and toothbrush on a wire shelf in the shower.
A Viral Investigation of Bathroom Biomes
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 26, 2024 | 4 min read
Hidden on toothbrushes and showerheads, bacteriophages reveal a viral ecosystem and its potential to create healthier living spaces.
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