We've updated our Privacy Policy to make it clearer how we use your personal data. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. You can read our Cookie Policy here.

Advertisement

Drug Discovery

Drug Discovery

Stay up to date on the topics that matter to you

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

Got a Question for Rhianna-lily Smith?

Get in touch using the contact form linked here and we'll get back to you shortly.

Published Content

Total: 219

Woman sneezing into a tissue outdoors, showing symptoms of hay fever during allergy season.

“Molecular Shield” in the Nose Blocks Hay Fever Reactions

Researchers developed a nasal antibody that blocks mugwort pollen, a major hay fever trigger in Europe and Central Asia. Delivered intranasally, it reduced allergic symptoms and inflammation in mice without systemic side effects.

Child’s hand placing puzzle piece next to colorful letters spelling "autism" amid educational toys.

Autism and Neurotypical Adults Share Visual Body Processing Pathways

A new fMRI study found that adults with autism and neurotypical individuals process images of body parts similarly in the brain’s LOTC. The research suggests that challenges in reading body language in autism may stem from social interpretation.

Patient undergoing advanced imaging scan with red laser alignment in a medical scanner.

New Imaging Tool Tracks Brain Cell Response to Drug Delivery

University of Queensland researchers developed a custom tool combining ultrasound and imaging to observe how brain cells respond to sonoporation, a method that uses microbubbles and sound waves to open the blood-brain barrier.

Magnifying glass highlighting a yellow capsule among assorted pills, symbolizing gabapentin.

Gabapentin May Raise Dementia Risk – Especially in Middle Age

Gabapentin, often prescribed for chronic back pain, may raise the risk of dementia and memory issues, according to a study of over 50,000 adults. The effect was strongest in people aged 35–64 with frequent prescriptions.

Fork holding a rolled measuring tape against a yellow background, symbolizing weight loss.

Gene Editing Unlocks DIY Weight-Loss Drug Delivery

University of Osaka researchers used genome editing to program mouse liver cells to produce exenatide, a weight-loss drug. After one treatment, the mice had sustained appetite control and better blood sugar levels for over six months.

Geometric brain model with colorful wires extending outward, symbolizing neural connectivity.

Mental Categories Help Unlock Deeper Memory Connections

A study from the University of Geneva finds people retrieve past events with shared meaning only when the present situation fits a known concept. Without this mental frame, surface-level details drive memory.

Scientist in protective gear collecting wastewater samples from a polluted site for analysis.

Turmeric Compound Fights Superbugs in Wastewater

A Utah State University study found multi-drug resistant bacteria in wastewater, posing a risk of spreading resistance genes. Natural compounds curcumin and emodin showed promise in suppressing resistant strains, particularly Gram-positive types.

Colorful digital rendering of a brain illuminated with neural activity, symbolizing psychedelics.

Microdosing Psychedelics: Hype, Hope or Science?

Microdosing psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin is gaining popularity, but science remains inconclusive. Small studies report modest benefits in mood, focus and sleep, though placebo effects loom large.

Cluster of mushrooms growing in dim forest light, associated with natural psilocybin sources.

Psychedelics May Slow Aging at the Cellular Level

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that psilocybin improved cell longevity and boosted survival in aged mice. Lab-grown cells exposed to psilocin lived longer and showed better stress resistance.

Microscopic view of bone marrow cells, relevant to liquid biopsy analysis in cancer diagnostics.

RNA-Based Liquid Biopsy Detects Early Colon Cancer With 95% Accuracy

A study from the University of Chicago introduces an RNA-based liquid biopsy that detects early-stage colorectal cancer with 95% accuracy. The test overcomes the limitations of DNA-based methods.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Decoratvive background images

Never miss a story

with the Breaking Science News daily newsletter