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
Video
Teach Me in 10 – An Introduction to ICP-OES With Ross Ashdown
In this installment of Teach Me in 10, we're joined by Ross Ashdown, who talks us through the basic concepts of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, or ICP-OES.
News
T-Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Still Present Six Months After Initial Infection
A recent preprint study, published in bioRxiv, demonstrates robust T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 viral peptides six months after initial infection in all participants following asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19.
Article
Using Analytical Chemistry To Put an End to Corked Wine
The sound when the cork “pops” out of the bottle is satisfying isn’t it? But what disappointment if at that very first sip the off flavors of a faulty wine hit your tongue. In this article we are going to focus on cork taint, what it is, how analysts detect it and ways to prevent it.
Industry Insight
Leading the Charge in the Cryo-EM Resolution Revolution
See how cryo-EM advances are changing scientific research, particularly in cell and drug discovery studies, and the role that precision instruments are playing in this.
Podcast
Opinionated Science Episode 15: COVID-19 and the Brain: Investigating the “Silent Wave”
On this episode, the team will discuss how the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects our brain. This podcast will untangle the disparate effects involved, covering everything from a subdued sense of smell to serious brain inflammation and damage.
Article
A New Way To Characterize Glycans From SARS-CoV-2's Spike Protein
Dr Rod Chalk, head of mass spectrometry at The Centre for Medicines Discovery (previously the Structural Genomics Consortium) has developed a novel mass spectrometry-based method for characterizing glycans from the Spike protein. In this interview, Chalk discusses the method and how it can be adopted in SARS-CoV-2 research and beyond.
Industry Insight
Tapping Into Information Locked in Our T Cells To Fight COVID-19
T cells are an important part of our immune memory and offer a wealth of valuable information about the way our bodies perceive and respond to pathogens. Learn how this information is being harnessed and applied in the fight against COVID-19.
Podcast
Opinionated Science Episode 12: Green Labs: Sustainable Science and Exploding Microscopes
In this episode, the team discuss the growing movement for sustainable science. Research has a yeti-sized ecological footprint, and here we follow the tracks from ozone-destroying CFCs and energy-guzzling freezers through to a new future for science that promises to make labs eco-friendly at last.
Infographic
ICP-QQQ
In the last decade, ICP-QQQ has been a game changer in the world of trace analysis. Previously undetectable and unresolvable elements are now within analytical capabilities, opening doors in an array of application areas, from pharmaceuticals to environmental analysis. Download this infographic to learn what ICP-QQQ is, what it is used for and how it compares with ICP-MS.
News
SARS-CoV-2 Immunity Likely To Be Higher Than Antibody Testing Has Shown
A recent study suggests that many people who contract SARS-CoV-2 but have mild or no clinical signs still develop so-called T-cell-mediated immunity to the virus, even in the absence of a positive antibody test. The researchers conclude that this is likely to mean that public immunity is probably higher than antibody testing has so far suggested.
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