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

Neuroanatomy Model Systems

Neuroanatomy is the study of the relationship between structure and function in the brain and nervous system. One of the ways that neuroanatomy studies are carried out is by using other organisms as model systems. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), mice, zebrafish, and the fruit fly are common model systems used for neuroanatomy studies.

10 Aug 2017

What is Neuroanatomy?

Neuroanatomy is the study of the relationship between structure and function in the nervous system. Neuroanatomy includes the study of macroscopic and microscopic structures. Macroscopic structures are larger structures, such as folds of the brain.

9 Aug 2017

Managing Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder control is a condition of loss of urinary function due to nerve, spinal cord or brain damage. A variety of circumstances can lead to neurogenic bladder, including spinal injury, neurologic disorders, or systemic disease of the body like diabetes.

9 Aug 2017

Neurogenic Bladder

A neurogenic bladder is a term for the lack of bladder control caused by an injury to the spine, brain, or 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.

9 Aug 2017

Tests for Cystic Fibrosis During Pregnancy

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, digestive system, and many other organs. It is caused by a defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The CFTR protein controls transport of salt in and out of the cell, and mutations in the gene result in an imbalance in that transport system, leading to a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the tissues. This leads to symptoms and complications, particularly in the lungs, where the thick mucus obstructs airways and traps bacteria, causing frequent infections.

9 Aug 2017

Urologic Diseases

The urinary system is comprised of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. The purpose of the urinary system (also called the renal system) is to remove waste from the body and to regulate electrolytes, blood volume, blood pressure, and blood pH. The kidneys filter the blood so the waste can exit through the ureters to the bladder in the form of urine.

9 Aug 2017

Sun Exposure - Positive and Negative Effects

Sunlight has both positive and negative effects on the human body. For example, it is well known that sun exposure can cause burns to the skin and increase the risk of cancer over the long term; however, sun exposure is also required for synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin. This results in a need to find an optimal balance between healthy sun exposure and dangerous over-exposure.

8 Aug 2017

Why Does Asparagus Make Urine Smell?

Asparagus or Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable rich in vitamins (A, C, E, K, and B6), minerals (iron, copper, calcium), proteins, and fiber. Even though the plant possesses various medical properties for supporting kidney functions, fertility, cancer, etc., the factor that makes it a food for thought is its ability to give urine a pungent smell.

8 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis History

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the production of mucus in the body. A genetic defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein disrupts transport of salts into and out of the cell, resulting in a thick, sticky mucus. The most prominent effect of the disease is obstruction of airways in the lungs and loss of defensive action against some bacteria leading to infection. The disease affects many other tissues and organs of the body, and leads to a significantly shortened lifespan.

8 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis and Infertility

Cystic fibrosis is an illness best known for causing frequent lung infections and chronic breathing problems. However, it affects organs and tissues throughout the body, including the urogenital system.

4 Aug 2017