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Rhianna-lily Smith profile page

Editorial Assistant

at Technology Networks

Rhianna-lily graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BSc in biomedicine and completed her MSc by Research in microbiology at the Quadram Institute Bioscience in 2023. Her research primarily focused on the gut microbiome in pregnant women throughout gestation. During her MSc, she developed a passion for science communication and later joined Technology Networks as an Editorial Assistant, where she works with the news team to cover the latest breaking news and produce Teach Me in 10 videos.

Education

University of East Anglia

Quadram Institute Biosciences

Areas of Expertise

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Published Content

Total: 106

A soldier sitting on a couch with his head in his hands.

Why Does PTSD Make Trauma Unforgettable but Hard To Recall?

A study identifies a time-dependent mechanism in the brain that influences how fear memories change. This understanding may help develop targeted interventions for PTSD, revealing differences in brain region communication.

A mitochondria.

Why Evolution Erased Dad’s Mitochondria

Research from CU Boulder highlights the critical role of paternal mitochondria elimination (PME) in embryo development. Delaying PME results in decreased ATP production, leading to embryonic lethality and physiological defects.

The vagus nerve in a human body.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Enhances Perceptual Learning in Mice

Researchers have found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) enhances perceptual learning in mice, improving their ability to interpret sensory information. The study revealed that VNS boosts activity in the cholinergic basal forebrain.

Neurons that look like cobwebs.

Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses in Two Phases

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses in two phases, highlighting early inflammatory changes and the loss of specific inhibitory neurons. Researchers created a cellular timeline, offering potential new targets for therapy.

Four women smiling.

From Menstruation to Menopause: How Hormonal Shifts Shape Women's Brain Health

Recent studies highlight the unique challenges women face regarding brain health, emphasizing the influence of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause on cognitive function, mood and overall well-being.

A woman jogging.

How Last Week’s Workout or Restless Night Still Affects Your Brain

Researchers found that external factors like sleep, physical activity, and mood can influence brain connectivity for days. Their study revealed that past activities impact attention, cognition, and memory well into the following week.

A used toothbrush.

Your Toothbrush and Showerhead Are Covered in Viruses

Researchers from Northwestern University identified over 600 unique viruses in household environments, such as toothbrushes and showerheads. The study highlights the diverse viral communities present and their potential implications for human health.

3D projections of the QSM χ maps on the rendered brainstem ROI extracted from the FreeSurfer segmentation for the healthy control group and the COVID group.

Brainstem Abnormalities Linked to Long COVID Symptoms

A study found long-term microstructural abnormalities in the brainstem of COVID-19 survivors, suggesting neuroinflammation contributes to persistent symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.

A woman having trouble sleeping.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Linked to Sleep Disturbances

Research from USC reveals a connection between certain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and sleep disturbances. The study identified four PFAS types associated with reduced sleep quality.

Brain scans next to a selection of white pills.

New Alzheimer's Treatment Shows Promise by Dual-Targeting Tau Protein

A new drug, RI-AG03, developed by researchers at the University of Southampton, targets two critical regions of the tau protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. Early tests demonstrated the drug's effectiveness in reducing tau aggregation.

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