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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
A person works with their sourdough starter in the kitchen.
Bakers Rise Up to Tackle Sourdough Mysteries
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 15, 2024 | 2 min read
Donated sourdough starters helped researchers uncover the factors that influence microbial communities in these living cultures.
A male researcher looks shocked as the Erlenmeyer flask in his hand breaks and the solution leaks out onto the bench top cover.
The Great Flask-tastrophe
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 15, 2024 | 2 min read
Joel Rovnak’s blood drained from his face as his painstakingly-collected sample bled onto the bench.
Image of a cone snail, Conus geographus underwater.
A Sea Snail Toxin Could Inspire New Diabetes Drugs
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 14, 2024 | 5 min read
Sea snails stun their prey with toxins that mimic glucose-regulating hormones.
Image of Caenorhabditis elegans against a black background.
Worms’ Nose for Danger Helps Ward Off Pathogens 
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 7, 2024 | 3 min read
Nematodes can sniff out trouble, kicking off a mitochondrial defense in the gut to fend off bacterial invaders.
Image of two marmosets perched on a branch.
From Marmosets to Menopause: A Primate Perspective
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 1, 2024 | 2 min read
Agnès Lacreuse investigates cognitive aging and women’s health in nonhuman primates.
Two dogs stand next to each other. The dog on the left has its tail up, while the dog on the right has its tail lowered.
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 1, 2024 | 2 min read
Chasing dog tails for answers, researchers explore the reasons behind the quintessential tail wagging of these furry four-legged friends.
Image of blood in a test tube with the four base pairs of DNA in the background.
A Novel Polymerase Reduces Stutter in Forensic DNA Analysis
Laura Tran, PhD | Oct 28, 2024 | 4 min read
A breakthrough enzyme aims to resolve a persistent DNA artifact that has challenged forensic analysis for decades.
Researchers found human antibody candidates that neutralize the toxin of European black widow venom.
Antibody Potion Against Black Widow's Bite
Laura Tran, PhD | Oct 15, 2024 | 2 min read
Scientists brewed recombinant human antibodies that take the sting out of the European black widow’s toxin.
Image of the monocled cobra, a venomous cobra species.
pH-Engineered Venom-Fighting Antibodies
Laura Tran, PhD | Oct 11, 2024 | 4 min read
A combinatorial approach enabled researchers to develop antibodies with improved catch-and-release abilities against snake venom toxins.
Image of carpet squares drying in the sun.
In Search of Microbes That Weave Colors into Moroccan Carpets
Laura Tran, PhD | Oct 7, 2024 | 5 min read
A scientist’s quest for microbes that produce purple pigments led her to the vibrant world of natural dyes, where biology and traditional artistry intertwine.
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