Shawna Williams

Shawna Williams

Shawna joined The Scientist in 2017 and is now a senior editor. She holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate and science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, she worked as a freelance editor and writer, and in the communications offices of several academic research institutions. Shawna oversees The Scientist's social media channels and edits the Modus Operandi, Literature, and Foundations sections of the magazine.

Articles by Shawna Williams
Eyeless <em>C. elegans</em> Perceives Colors: Study
Eyeless C. elegans Perceives Colors: Study
Shawna Williams | Mar 4, 2021
The roundworm uses cues from visible light to help avoid eating toxic bacteria with a distinguishing hue.
Atlantic Circulation Weakest in More Than a Millennium: Study
Atlantic Circulation Weakest in More Than a Millennium: Study
Shawna Williams | Feb 26, 2021
Researchers use proxy indicators to confirm long-term changes to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which have profound implications for future climate in North America and Europe.
High Profile Developmental Biologist Lewis Wolpert Dies at 91
High Profile Developmental Biologist Lewis Wolpert Dies at 91
Shawna Williams | Feb 16, 2021
Wolpert, who conducted research at University College London, was known for his work on morphogenesis and pattern development in embryos and for his multiple books and broadcast appearances.
Fecal Transplant Could Boost Immunotherapy to Treat Melanoma
Fecal Transplant Could Boost Immunotherapy to Treat Melanoma
Shawna Williams | Feb 12, 2021
The results from two Phase 1 trials bolster the case that the gut microbiome plays a role in response to the drugs.
Brain Stimulation Tested to Awaken Coma Patients
Brain Stimulation Tested to Awaken Coma Patients
Shawna Williams | Feb 5, 2021
Two out of three people who received noninvasive ultrasound appear to have gained some level of consciousness, according to preliminary trial results.
Siobh&aacute;n Brady Uses Big Data to Investigate Plant Development
Siobhán Brady Uses Big Data to Investigate Plant Development
Shawna Williams | Feb 1, 2021
The University of California, Davis, professor is a pioneer in teasing apart the changes in gene expression that drive root development.
Specialized Leaves Keep This Plant&rsquo;s Fruit Warm
Specialized Leaves Keep This Plant’s Fruit Warm
Shawna Williams | Feb 1, 2021
A volunteer nature guide teamed up with researchers to discover a unique reproductive role for one vine’s leaves.
Data Hint B.1.1.7 Could Be More Deadly Than Thought
Data Hint B.1.1.7 Could Be More Deadly Than Thought
Shawna Williams | Jan 25, 2021
In addition to being more transmissible, the variant now dominant in the UK may be about 30 percent more deadly than previous strains, but much uncertainty remains.
What&rsquo;s Ahead for SARS-CoV-2 Research in 2021
What’s Ahead for SARS-CoV-2 Research in 2021
Shawna Williams | Jan 8, 2021
From new treatments to an investigation into the virus’s origins, here are some of the developments we can expect this year.
EPA Finalizes Much-Criticized &ldquo;Transparency&rdquo; Rule
EPA Finalizes Much-Criticized “Transparency” Rule
Shawna Williams | Jan 5, 2021
The regulation, which requires that the agency give preference to dose-response studies in which the underlying data are available, could downplay findings key to defining the dangers of pollution.