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
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
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.
Listicle
Techniques in Wine Analysis
Download this listicle to learn about the wine analysis techniques used in the vineyard, after harvest, for contaminant detection and to determine authenticity.
Article
Gas Chromatography
In this article, we bring together resources from the across the site on gas chromatography, how it works, its pairing with downstream techniques and what its applications are.
Industry Insight
Microplastic Analysis and the Future Detection Landscape
The full impact that microplastics have on health and the environment is still not well understood, however, mounting evidence regarding their negative effects has made microplastics a topic of interest for scientists, governments and regulatory bodies. We spoke to Kathleen A. Young about microplastics detection techniques and technologies, the importance of standards and how regulations may come to fruition in the years to come.
Industry Insight
The Evolving Problem of Microplastics in a PPE Era
Microplastics are now ubiquitous in our lives and environment. To compound the problem, the advent of COVID-19 has seen uptake of single-use plastics in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) skyrocket. We spoke to Kathleen A. Young about how the microplastics issue has evolved in light of COVID-19, particularly around PPE waste and what gains are being made in the areas of testing and analysis standards.
Industry Insight
A Step in the Right Direction for Dioxin Detection
To detect, quantify and ultimately instigate remedial action in relation to dioxin contamination, scientists require suitable analytical tools and techniques. The USEPA recently approved a new dioxin testing method which could assist these efforts. We spoke to Frank L. Dorman, PhD, FRSC, about the hazards posed by dioxins, challenges in their identification and the future detection landscape.
Article
Leveraging Pseudoviruses in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The incredible efforts of scientists and public health agencies worldwide in response to SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the emergency use authorization and rapid deployment of antibody-based countermeasures, including therapies and vaccines. Their effectiveness is typically measured in a neutralization assay, however, biosafety restrictions make working with SARS-CoV-2 challenging. We take a look at how pseudovirus may offer an alternative tool.
Industry Insight
An Automated Age for Western Blotting
Western blotting has been a core technique in molecular biology for many years, however, optimization and reproducibility can be problematic. We spoke to Dr Alexandre Lucas about the automation of western blotting and the difference this advance is making to research.
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