Abby Olena, PhD Author Profile | The Scientist Magazine®

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

Abby Olena, PhD | Jul 1, 2022 | 7 min read

Researchers are going beyond fecal samples to understand how the patterns of commensal microbes in the gastrointestinal tract influence development and health.

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

Cultured Meat Advances Toward the Market

Abby Olena, PhD | Feb 14, 2022 | 8 min read

The biotech industry is chipping away at the obstacles standing between the lab and the dinner plate.

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

Abby Olena, PhD | Dec 2, 2021 | 3 min read

Researchers link a missense mutation in the B4GALT1 gene to lower levels of LDL cholesterol and the blood clotting factor fibrinogen.

The lungfish has a beige face and grey spotted body with a darker tail fin, as well as four long, spindly appendages. It is on a white background.

Lungfish Cocoons Are Alive, Sort Of

Abby Olena, PhD | Nov 17, 2021 | 4 min read

Researchers find that the protective outer layer that lungfish make to survive extended dry periods—once thought to be a simple mucus shell—contains immune cells that trap bacteria and protect the animals from infection.

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

Neurons Firing Together Generate Spontaneous Pain

Abby Olena, PhD | Nov 10, 2021 | 4 min read

Abnormal sympathetic neuron growth leads to simultaneous activation of clusters of sensory neurons, causing the difficult-to-treat sensation.

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

Abby Olena, PhD | Nov 5, 2021 | 3 min read

The transcription factor can also drive the opposite transition depending on which hormone activates it, according to a new study.

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

Same RNA Acts in Neurodegeneration and Cancer

Abby Olena, PhD | Oct 29, 2021 | 3 min read

The long noncoding RNA MINCR, implicated in ALS and Alzheimer’s disease as well as several types of cancer, appears to function differently when present at high versus low levels.

Red blood cells are pictured in grayscale on a gray background

Red Blood Cells Activate Innate Immune System

Abby Olena, PhD | Oct 20, 2021 | 4 min read

Researchers link the ability of the cells to bind and present DNA from pathogens and cell death to anemia, which is common in COVID-19, and immune activation.