Leah Shaffer is a freelance science writer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Her stories have appeared in publications such as Wired, The Atlantic, Discover, NOVA Next and UnDark. She writes about biology, medicine and the weird critters inside and outside the human body.
Leah Shaffer
Freelance writer
From this contributor
Supplements, worms and stool: How families are trying to game the gut to treat autism traits
Scientists are playing catch-up as microbiome-based treatments for autism proliferate.
Supplements, worms and stool: How families are trying to game the gut to treat autism traits
By
Leah Shaffer
26 June 2019 | 16 min read
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Aging neurons outsource garbage disposal, clog microglia
Degradation-resistant proteins pass from neurons to glial cells in a process that may spread protein clumps around the brain, according to a study in mice.
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Oregon primate research center to negotiate with NIH on possible transition to sanctuary
The board of directors at Oregon Health & Science University, which runs the primate center, voted unanimously in favor of the move.
Oregon primate research center to negotiate with NIH on possible transition to sanctuary
The board of directors at Oregon Health & Science University, which runs the primate center, voted unanimously in favor of the move.
By
Calli McMurray
9 February 2026 | 6 min read