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

Gene Therapy as a Potential Cure for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The CFTR gene encodes an ion channel protein that is involved in the transport of salts across cell membranes. Any of dozens of different mutations of the gene can lead to the development of cystic fibrosis.

3 Aug 2017

Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting disease caused by a defect in a gene responsible for transporting salts in and out of cells. It causes symptoms and complications throughout the body. The most serious problems caused by the disease affect the lungs. A thick, sticky mucus clogs the lungs, obstructing airways and promoting frequent lung infections. Lung transplantation is one option for increasing survival in people with cystic fibrosis.

3 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis Evolution

Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disease among people of European descent. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. When a child inherits two copies of the mutated gene, the cystic fibrosis disease develops. People who have just one copy of the mutation are carriers, and are generally not affected by symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

3 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis and Salty Skin

Cystic fibrosis is a disease known for causing lung disease and serious illness beginning from babyhood or early childhood. Its pathogenesis, however, has to do with salt transport, and even before the disease of cystic fibrosis was defined, folk wisdom held that children with salty skin would become direly ill.

3 Aug 2017

Sweat Test for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that leads to problems throughout the body, especially the lungs. It results in chronic illness and a shortened lifespan. The disease is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein.

2 Aug 2017

Could CRISPR Repair CFTR in Cystic Fibrosis Patients?

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The CFTR protein is an ion channel that carries salts into and out of cells. When CFTR is defective, water and salt are out of balance in the cells, and a thick mucus builds up in the tissue, leading to problems in many organs, especially the lungs. Mucus blocks the airways and promotes lung infection. Cystic fibrosis shortens the lifespan of the sufferers to an average of 28 years.

2 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis Research

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects mucus and sweat glands. It causes a build-up of mucus that leads to problems with the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, and other systems of the body. People with cystic fibrosis experience frequent and severe health complications and early mortality. However, research on the disease has improved current treatments, increasing life expectancy to about 37 years of age in the U.S.

2 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis Prognosis

Cystic fibrosis is a disease affecting the lungs and many other organs of the body. It causes a thick, sticky mucus to build up which blocks airways and traps bacteria, leading to frequent infections. Other organs affected include the pancreas, intestines, liver, sinuses, and reproductive organs.

2 Aug 2017

Cystic Fibrosis Epidemiology

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder affecting salt transport in and out of cells. The resulting imbalance of fluids and salts causes the production of a thick, sticky mucus and other abnormalities throughout the body. The lungs are the principal organ affected, but cystic fibrosis also affects the pancreas, gastrointestinal system, reproductive system, and many other organs of the body.

2 Aug 2017

Skin Phototypes

The skin phototype classification system was developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975. It is based on the sensitivity of the skin to sunburn and the ability of the skin to tan. The skin phototype can predict skin cancer risk.

21 Jul 2017