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
Paper Proposing COVID-19, Magnetism Link to Be Retracted
Paper Proposing COVID-19, Magnetism Link to Be Retracted
Shawna Williams | Nov 4, 2020
The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, has attracted widespread derision from researchers.
First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Rolled Out for Clinical Use in US
First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Rolled Out for Clinical Use in US
Shawna Williams | Nov 2, 2020
The test will be a cheaper and more accessible alternative to currently available diagnostic tools, researchers say.
Scientists, Publishers Debate Paychecks for Peer Reviewers
Scientists, Publishers Debate Paychecks for Peer Reviewers
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2020
While some academics have called for compensation for assessing other scientists’ work, publishers haven’t warmed to the idea.
Infographic: How Vaccines Train Innate Immunity
Infographic: How Vaccines Train Innate Immunity
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2020
A recent study elucidates some of the changes that occur in the body after inoculation with a tuberculosis vaccine.
Tropical Birds Differ in Their Responses to Drought
Tropical Birds Differ in Their Responses to Drought
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2020
Long-lived species decrease their reproduction more than short-lived species in response to lower-than-normal precipitation, and thereby gain a survival advantage, a study finds.
How Some Vaccines Protect Against More than Their Targets
How Some Vaccines Protect Against More than Their Targets
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2020
As researchers test existing vaccines for nonspecific protection against COVID-19, immunologists are working to understand how some inoculations protect against pathogens they weren’t designed to fend off.
How a Centipede Survives its Own Species’ Venom
How a Centipede Survives its Own Species’ Venom
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2020
The same toxin targets different receptors in prey and conspecifics to deliver either a lethal or non-lethal blow.
Nitrogen-Fixing Microbes Found in Antarctic Sea
Nitrogen-Fixing Microbes Found in Antarctic Sea
Shawna Williams | Oct 28, 2020
The discovery puts a nail in the coffin of a long-held assumption about the limits of where the essential process can occur.
How to Reintroduce a Long-Lost Species
How to Reintroduce a Long-Lost Species
Shawna Williams | Oct 20, 2020
Conservation biologist John Ewen discusses the recent reintroduction of Tasmanian devils to mainland Australia after a 3,000-year absence and issues that need to be considered when bringing long-departed animals back into an area.
Scientists’ Advice for Ways to Ward Off the Coronavirus
Scientists’ Advice for Ways to Ward Off the Coronavirus
Shawna Williams | Oct 9, 2020
We asked experts for measures people can take that may help boost defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.