abby olena

Abby Olena, PhD

As a freelancer for The Scientist, Abby reports on new developments in life science for the website. She has a PhD from Vanderbilt University and got her start in science journalism as the Chicago Tribune’s AAAS Mass Media Fellow in 2013. Following a stint as an intern for The Scientist, Abby was a postdoc in science communication at Duke University, where she developed and taught courses to help scientists share their research. In addition to her work as a science journalist, she leads science writing and communication workshops and co-produces a conversational podcast. She is based in Alabama.  

Articles by Abby Olena, PhD

A section of a mouse distal colon showing luminal contents with bacteria in magenta, the mucus lining (green) and the epithelial cell barrier of the gut (blue, right).

Mapping the Neighborhoods of the Gut Microbiome

Photo of lab-grown chicken from Eat Just, Inc.

Cultured Meat Advances Toward the Market

An illustration shows circular red blood cells running into a yellow cholesterol blockage in a transverse section of an artery on a blue and purple background

Genetic Variant Discovered in Amish Protects from Heart Disease

Illustration of an African lungfish encased in a cocoon, highlighting immune defense mechanisms during estivation.

Lungfish Cocoon: A Living Barrier Against Infection During Estivation

Rounded red and green fluorescent cells are visible on a light and dark gray background

Neurons Firing Together Generate Spontaneous Pain

A black and brown ant stands over various sizes of whitish purple, oval shaped larvae and yellow, oblong eggs

A Single Transcription Factor Changes Ants to Queens

An artist's rendition of an RNA molecule in light blue on a dark blue background

Same RNA Acts in Neurodegeneration and Cancer

Red blood cells are pictured in grayscale on a gray background

Red Blood Cells Activate Innate Immune System

The head of a tadpole is pictured. Its eye is black, but the rest of its head is various shades of green

Scientists Use Photosynthesis to Power an Animal’s Brain

A brown tick is shown from above as it climbs a green blade of grass

Bacterial Symbionts Tell Ticks When to Eat

A view of the nucleus of a cell with DNA in blue, RNA in pink, and associated proteins in yellow and purple

DNA Methylation Influences Replication and Genome Organization

One white mouse with red eyes runs on a blue exercise wheel, while another mouse stands with front paws on the wheel

Serious Infections Linked to Autism: Study

Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

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