Dr. Catherine Shaffer

Feature Writer

Ph.D

Life Sciences, Cell Biology

Catherine Shaffer is a freelance science and health writer from Michigan. She has written for a wide variety of trade and consumer publications on life sciences topics, particularly in the area of drug discovery and development. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry and began her career as a laboratory researcher before transitioning to science writing. She also writes and publishes fiction, and in her free time enjoys yoga, biking, and taking care of her pets.

Articles from Catherine

Moebius Syndrome Causes

Moebius syndrome occurs randomly in the general population and patients generally have no family history of the disease. Mutations of chromosome 13 have been associated with Moebius syndrome, as well as mutations in the genes PLXND1 and REV3L.

8 May 2017

Moebius Syndrome Neurological Disorder

Moebius syndrome is a rare disorder affecting the muscles used in facial expression and eye movement. It is also known as congenital facial diplegia, congenital ophthalmoplegia, and facial paresis. The syndrome is present from birth, and affected infants may have feeding difficulties. People with Moebius syndrome lack all facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows in surprise.

8 May 2017

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis has a number of potential causes. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, allergies, and chemical or mechanical irritation.

4 May 2017

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an infection or inflammation in the eye. The conjunctiva is a layer of tissue that overlays the eye and inner eyelids. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, in which case it is highly contagious. These infections are common in children. Allergic reactions and irritants can also cause conjunctivitis.

4 May 2017

Treating Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva of the eye is a layer of tissue that overlays the eye and the inside of each eyelid. It contains the lacrimal glands and contribute to the formation of the tear film, which is necessary to maintain the health of the eye epithelium.

4 May 2017

Chromatography Media Selection

Chromatography is a technique that is used for separation of mixtures. The name combines the Greek word chroma, or “color,” with graphein, “to write.” The technique was invented in 1900 by Mikhail Tsvet, who used it “to write the colors” of plant pigments, like chlorophyll carotenes and xanthophylls. He did this by dissolving the plant mixtures in a fluid, or mobile phase, and allowing it to flow through a solid material called a stationary phase.

2 Feb 2017

Ribosome Structure

Ribosomes are highly complex, macromolecular structures that fulfil the vital role of protein synthesis in all living cells across species, from bacteria to eukaryotes.

3 Apr 2019

Macrominerals and Trace Minerals in the Diet

The body requires a number of minerals in order to maintain its proper functioning. The minerals are used for a variety of physiological processes such as building blood and bone, making hormones, regulating heartbeat, and more. There are two types of minerals. Macrominerals are needed in large amounts. Trace minerals are needed in very small amounts.

19 Jan 2017

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis

An intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a condition where bleeding occurs in the tissue or ventricles of the brain. Its onset is usually sudden and catastrophic, but at times can present with milder symptoms resembling an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhage deprives the brain of oxygen while putting pressure on the tissues nearby. The pooled blood which occurs inside the brain is called a hematoma. A hemorrhage can cause rapid brain damage or death.

11 Jan 2017

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Research and Clinical Trials

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating type of stroke for which there are no proven effective treatments other than conservative management and supportive care.

11 Jan 2017