Annie Melchor Author Profile | The Scientist Magazine®

Photo of John Calhoun crouches within his rodent utopia-turned-dystopia

Annie Melchor | May 28, 2024 | 5 min read

A series of rodent experiments showed that even with abundant food and water, personal space is essential to prevent societal collapse, but Universe 25's relevance to humans remains disputed.

Microbial Analysis of River Reveals Considerable Diversity

Annie Melchor | Mar 1, 2022 | 4 min read

Scientists in Canada trace how aquatic communities change as Quebec’s Romaine River flows into the sea.

Illustration of clear cells with orange nuclei, Toxoplasma gondii, on colorful background

Turning Toxoplasma Against Cancer

Annie Melchor | Jan 3, 2022 | 9 min read

Several research groups have found that Toxoplasma gondii infection can ramp up antitumor immune responses in mice. Can the single-cell parasite be used to develop safe treatments for humans?

In one of the only known photos of Abraham Lincoln taken on the day of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln can be seen seated, hatless, just below and to the right of the flag. Lincoln began developing symptoms of smallpox on the train home to Washington, DC.

Presidential Pox, 1863

Annie Melchor | Dec 1, 2021 | 3 min read

Researchers continue to debate whether US President Abraham Lincoln was coming down with smallpox as he delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, and if he had been immunized.

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Salmonella bacteria in intestinal tissue

Gut Infections Help Shield Intestinal Neurons from Future Damage

Annie Melchor | Nov 19, 2021 | 4 min read

In mice, a kind of immune memory appears to protect the cells against future harm, a finding that could provide insight into treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory digestive conditions.

illustration of people of different genders and races

Does Biological Sex Influence COVID-19 Outcomes?

Annie Melchor | Nov 2, 2021 | 10 min read

It’s unclear whether differing odds of dying between men and women reflect inherent differences between male and female immune systems or differences rooted in gender norms.

Image of fruit fly epithelial cells (pseudo colored in this micrograph)

Epithelial Cell Signaling Helps Maintain Tissue Integrity

Annie Melchor | Nov 1, 2021 | 2 min read

Using a transgenic fruit fly model, researchers demonstrate how epithelial barriers are maintained in living organisms despite high levels of cell turnover and death.