Karen Steward PhD
Senior Science Writer
After completing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in 2006, Karen became a research scientist at the Animal Health Trust, UK. During her time there, she completed a PhD in molecular microbiology and evolutionary genetics in partnership with the University of Cambridge and went on to hold a post-doctoral position. Her research focused on the fundamental biology of infectious diseases, outbreak analysis and the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays. In 2017 she left the lab to pursue a career in science communication. As senior science writer, Karen employs her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to coordinate and create a range of scientific content, tools and resources for the site and provide scientific support across the teams.
Latest Content
Infographic
Liquid Chromatography Troubleshooting
Liquid chromatography is an incredibly valuable tool when things are going well, however, like most experimental techniques, it is not always plain sailing. Download this infographic to learn about potential sources of LC analysis problems, clues that can be gained from your chromatogram and possible solutions to rectify the issues.
Infographic
Biofuels
A great deal of research effort has been ploughed into finding green, renewable and sustainable answers to both fueling the world and disposing of our waste. One such solution has been the development of biofuels.
Video
Dissolution Testing With Lorraine Kay
What is dissolution testing and why is important in drug development, formulation and testing? For this Teach Me in 10 episode, we're joined by Lorraine Kay from Agilent Technologies who gives us a whistle-stop tour of dissolution testing, answering all these questions and more in just 10 minutes.
Podcast
Opinionated Science Episode 32: Debunking the "Hygiene Hypothesis" and Psychedelic Brain Changes
On this episode, the team take a look at a new study that suggests people's interpretation of the "Hygiene Hypothesis" - that early exposure to some microorganisms protects against allergic disease - might be in need of a cleanup. They also detail some findings on the psychedelic drug psilocybin and its effects on the connections of the mammalian brain. Not to be missed!
Infographic
Petrochemical Analysis
Petrochemicals have diverse applications that touch many areas of our everyday lives. However, with many steps along the extraction and production process, it is imperative that the quality and purity of petrochemicals can be accurately monitored throughout, ensuring required standards are met.
Industry Insight
Tailoring LC Solutions for Growing Biopharma Demand
Biopharmaceutical development is currently one of the fastest growing areas in the life sciences. With this comes an increasing need for analytical solutions able to cope with the challenges offered by biopharma samples. We spoke to Dr. Tom van de Goor from Agilent about how they are addressing these issues.
Article
An Introduction to the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay – ELISA Test
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has proven invaluable as both a research and diagnostic tool. In this article, we will consider what an ELISA is, how it works, variations of the technique and what it can tell you.
Listicle
6 Innovative Applications of Microbes
Microbes have many beneficial properties and for many years, humans, animals and plants have exploited them for their own benefit. We discuss some of the many and varied uses to which microbes are being applied.
Infographic
Pesticide Screening
Pesticides have been key in enabling producers to keep up with growing global food demands, but must be used with caution. Download this infographic to learn what pesticides are, why we test for them, what we test for and the techniques used to achieve this.
Infographic
PFAS Detection
Download this infographic to learn what per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are, why, despite their useful properties, they have become a concern for human health and the environment and the techniques used to detect them.
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