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

Illumina Sequencing

Next generation sequencing technologies were developed to improve on the speed and efficiency of shotgun-style Sanger sequencing. The technologies that fall into this category include Illumina (Solexa) sequencing, Roche 454 sequencing, Ion Torrent: Proton/PGM sequencing, and SOLiD sequencing.

6 Sep 2017

Sanger Sequencing

The first DNA sequencing method was developed by Frederick Sanger in 1977. The technique was based on incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides by DNA polymerase while replicating DNA.

5 Sep 2017

Shotgun Sequencing

Shotgun sequencing is the method used to sequence the human genome by Criag Venter at Celera Genomics.

5 Sep 2017

Recurring Pericarditis

Recurrence is a serious complication of acute pericarditis.

29 Aug 2017

Aarskog Syndrome Causes and Diagnosis

Aarskog syndrome is a rare inherited genetic disorder that affects the skeleton, genitals, muscles, stature, and overall appearance. The fingers, toes, and face are the major parts that are frequently affected. Males are considered to be the primary victims of this syndrome, with a few cases of females being affected. Aarskog syndrome is known to inhibit growth, which may not be identified until the age of three.

25 Aug 2017

Histological Techniques of Neuroanatomy

Neuroanatomy is the study of structure and function relationships in the brain and nervous system. As this encompasses a study of both macroscopic and microscopic structures, a variety of histological tools have been developed to enable that endeavor.

18 Aug 2017

Neuroanatomy of Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder is a loss of bladder control caused by damage to the nerve supply of the bladder. The damage can involve the brain, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or any combination thereof.

17 Aug 2017

Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms

Neurogenic bladder is a type of urinary tract dysfunction caused by damage to the nerves that control retention and release of urine. Signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder can vary widely between individuals. Some of the major signs of neurogenic bladder are recurrent urinary tract infections, leaking urine, overactive bladder, frequent urination, urinary retention, and underactive bladder.

16 Aug 2017

Neurogenic Bladder Causes

A neurogenic bladder stands for a lack of bladder control due to a dysfunction of nerves affecting afferent or efferent signaling. These nerves carry messages between the bladder and spinal cord, and direct the holding and release of urine. When the nerves fail to function, the symptoms of neurogenic bladder develop, which is the condition that affects millions of people around the world.

15 Aug 2017

Neurogenic Bladder Tests and Diagnosis

Neurogenic bladder is a loss of control of the bladder caused by nerve damage. The underlying cause of the nerve damage can be any of a variety of conditions, including spinal injury, diabetes, pelvic surgery, neurological disease, or others.

10 Aug 2017