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Analysis & Separations

Analysis & Separations

Rhianna-lily Smith profile page

Science Writer and Editor

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 a Science Writer and Editor, 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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Content Written By, Reviewed By, or Featuring Rhianna-lily Smith

Total: 356

Two roommates relaxing in a sunlit apartment bedroom.

Living Together? Your Partner’s DNA Could Shape Your Gut Bacteria

A large rat study shows that gut microbiome composition is influenced not only by an individual’s genes but also by the genes of social partners. Accounting for these indirect genetic effects greatly strengthened gene–microbe links.

Colorful digital brain illustration symbolizing neural activity and connectivity in autism research.

When and Where Autism Genes Act in the Developing Brain

By analyzing over 213,000 developing human brain cells, researchers show that many autism risk genes act through the ECM. These genes are active in specific cell types and developmental windows, particularly during the second trimester.

3D visualization of complex protein structures representing the diversity of the human proteome.

Industry Insight

Mapping 768 Tau Proteoforms Could Advance Alzheimer’s Research

This Q&A with researchers from the Buck Institute and Nautilus Biotechnology reveals how single-molecule proteomics enables unprecedented mapping of tau proteoforms across Alzheimer’s-relevant brain regions.

Person wearing a neural headset with brain activity visualized on a monitor during brain stimulation.

No Medication – Just Brain Stimulation – Improved ADHD Attention

Researchers identified abnormal background brain activity as a measurable marker of ADHD. In a randomized trial, non-invasive brain stimulation reduced this neural “noise” in children and improved attention.

Stacked pieces of dark chocolate arranged on a rustic wooden surface with scattered shavings.

Dark Chocolate Compound Linked to Slower Biological Aging

Researchers found that higher blood levels of theobromine, a compound found in cocoa, were linked to slower biological aging. Using DNA-based aging markers in two European cohorts, the study showed the association was independent of caffeine.

Female football player dribbling a soccer ball during practice on a sunny outdoor field.

FC Barcelona Study Finds Menstrual-Phase Injuries Heal More Slowly

A study of elite footballers shows injuries sustained during menstruation are not more frequent, but do result in significantly longer recovery times. The findings suggest hormonal and physiological changes during bleeding may worsen injury severity.

Birthday cake with “100” candles in front of an elderly woman, celebrating a milestone in aging.

Sterilization and Contraception Extends Lifespan Across Mammals

A global analysis of zoo records and published studies reveals that blocking reproduction through contraception or sterilization extends lifespan by roughly 10–20% across 117 mammal species.

Silhouette of a man sitting on a bed in a dark room, conveying isolation and depression.

FDA Approves First At-Home Brain Stimulation Treatment for Depression

The FDA has authorized Flow Neuroscience’s FL-100, the first fully remote at-home brain stimulation device for major depression. A Phase 2 trial showed significant symptom improvement and nearly double the remission rate vs placebo.

Colorful puzzle spelling “autism” surrounded by toys, symbolizing autism awareness in children.

Why Autism May Be a Treatable Metabolic Signaling Disorder

A new review proposes that autism arises when genetic sensitivity, early-life triggers and prolonged metabolic stress converge. The model suggests that a stalled cell danger response may disrupt brain development during critical windows.

Dr Hannah Holmes smiling next to the title of her presentation "Meet Your Vagus Nerve: A Key Pathway Linking Brain, Body and Behavior"

Meet Your Vagus Nerve: A Key Pathway Linking Brain, Body and Behavior

In this Teach Me in 10, Dr. Hannah Holmes, Clinical Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University, breaks down the anatomy, function and impact of the vagus nerve.

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