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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 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.
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.
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