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Sahana Sitaraman, PhD

Sahana Sitaraman, PhD

Sahana is a science journalist based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She holds a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Delhi, India and a master's and PhD in life sciences from the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India. Sahana enjoys writing about health and neuroscience, mental health and women in STEM. She also dabbles in illustrating findings that tickle her brain.

Articles by Sahana Sitaraman, PhD
A side view of the head of a juvenile Nile crocodile.
Mechanics, Not Genetics, Determine Crocodile Head Scale Patterns
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Dec 18, 2024 | 4 min read
The scales on a crocodile’s head develop differently than those on its body. The explanation lies in tissue mechanics.
An illustration showing a tumor in a human colon.
Colorectal Tumors are Born When Stem Cells Die
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Dec 16, 2024 | 5 min read
New research describes the early steps of colorectal tumor formation and lays a foundation for improving diagnosis and treatment of aggressive cancers.
A tick embedded into skin. 
What Makes a Tick Stick?
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Dec 6, 2024 | 5 min read
Ticks form a stable structure around their mouth to stick to their hosts for days. Phase transitions of proteins in the tick saliva drive this adhesion.
An illustration showing a DNA strand and a cancer cell. 
How Some Cancer Cells Survive Chemotherapy
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Nov 26, 2024 | 4 min read
Chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells by halting DNA replication, but a glucose-depleted environment can help cancer cells overcome this effect and resist death. 
An illustration showing reduction in muscle mass and weight from cachexia.
The Neural Circuitry Driving Cancer-Related Wasting Disease
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Nov 18, 2024 | 4 min read
In mice, dampening the activity of area postrema neurons diminished cancer-induced muscle and fat loss and increased lifespan.
A DNA illustration composed of diverse human figures.
AI-Assisted Genome Studies Are Riddled with Errors
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Nov 13, 2024 | 3 min read
Researchers used artificial intelligence in large genomics studies to fill in gaps in patient information and improve predictions, but new research uncovers false positives and misleading correlations.
An illustration of malignant cancer cells in pink on a black background.
Data by the Dozen: Consortium Cancer Maps Provide a 3D View of Tumor Evolution
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Oct 30, 2024 | 4 min read
New 3D blueprints that highlight tumor complexity reveal several new discoveries, some of which challenge existing theories of cancer progression.
An artistic interpretation of CRISPR genome editing showing the cutting and changing of DNA segments.
A Small Genome Editing Nuclease Packs a Big Punch
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Oct 30, 2024 | 4 min read
For the past decade, scientists have relied almost exclusively on CRISPR-Cas systems for genome editing. Now, a smaller but equally efficient nuclease is here to compete. 
Pink cancer cell on a black background. 
Cancer Cells Hijack the Neuron-Glia Connection for Brain Metastasis
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Oct 21, 2024 | 5 min read
Breast cancer cells send microRNA-filled vesicles to the brain, creating a nutrient-rich environment that facilitates metastasis. 
An illustration of a person getting a semaglutide injection, surrounded by imagery representing an abstract concept of diabetes management.
The Unexplored Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs on the Brain 
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Oct 8, 2024 | 4 min read
Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are used to treat obesity and diabetes. Now, researchers found that these drugs also affect rodent brains in other ways. 
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