Contributors
Marissa Locke Rottinghaus
Marissa Locke Rottinghaus is the science writer for the ASBMB. She was born and raised in Kansas and developed her love of science and writing at a young age. Marissa earned her B.S. in biological sciences and a minor in Spanish from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She then went on to pursue a Ph.D. in immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she studied the role of type I interferons in viral pathogenesis. Before joining the ASBMB in 2023, Marissa worked as a managing editor at The American Association of Immunologists as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her hobbies include reading, baking, crafting, exercising and spending time with family and friends.
Articles by Marissa Locke Rottinghaus
Award
Guiding grocery carts to shape healthy habits
Nov. 21, 2024
Robert “Nate” Helsley will receive the Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator in Lipid Research Award at the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago.
News
From lab to land: Crop modifications are fortifying our food supply against climate change
Nov. 13, 2024
Scientists explore genetic and biochemical innovations fueling future-proofing agriculture
In-person Conference
Join the pioneers of ferroptosis at cell death conference
Nov. 13, 2024
Meet Brent Stockwell, Xuejun Jiang and Jin Ye — the co-chairs of the ASBMB’s 2025 meeting on metabolic cross talk and biochemical homeostasis research.
News
How antioxidant-enhanced ice cream is changing the game for frozen treats
Nov. 12, 2024
University of Wisconsin scientists create a sweet treat with more nutrients and better stability using tannins
Feature
Modified pea proteins are shaping the future of meat alternatives
Nov. 6, 2024
University of Minnesota scientists use enzymes to mimic beef texture in plant-based protein.
Feature
What makes lager yeast special? Inside the genetics of beer
Nov. 5, 2024
University of Wisconsin scientists explore a microbe’s cold-tolerance for better brewing.
Profile
Brain-on-a-chip tech powers neuroscience research
Nov. 4, 2024
MOSAIC scholar Brian O'Grady has engineered a biomimetic model of the brain’s blood vessels to help tackle glioblastoma.
In Memoriam
In memoriam: William L. Smith
Oct. 21, 2024
He served as associate editor of both the Journal of Biological Chemistry and the Journal of Lipid Research and was an ASBMB member for more than 40 years.
News
Nobel for ‘breakthrough in biochemistry’
Oct. 9, 2024
David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper received the chemistry prize for computational protein design and structure prediction.
News
Nobel honors discovery of microRNAs
Oct. 7, 2024
Ambros and Ruvkun win prize for medicine or physiology “for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.”
Award
ASBMB names 2025 award winners
Aug. 20, 2024
Check out their lectures at the annual meeting in April in Chicago!
In Memoriam
In memoriam: Lubert Stryer
Aug. 5, 2024
He was known for pioneering discoveries in fluorescence spectroscopy, human vision and high-speed genetic analysis, and for writing an influential textbook used worldwide.
Feature
The visa voyage
July 24, 2024
International scientists fight through red tape and regulations for a chance to train and work in the U.S.
News
Invisible and undervalued: Navigating caregiving and careers in STEM
July 24, 2024
A National Academies of Science and Medicine report calls for federal, nationwide paid leave and provides best practices for implementing caregiver support policies.
In Memoriam
In memoriam: Maxine Singer
July 22, 2024
She was a revolutionary molecular biologist, National Medal of Science recipient, federal health official and inclusion advocate.
Contest
Water is the 2024 molecule of the year
July 17, 2024
The 54 nominees included proteins and protein complexes, RNAs, lipids, drugs and therapeutics, signaling mediators and more. ASBMB members cast their votes and determined the winner.
News
Microparticles safeguard vitamins and information
July 9, 2024
Scientists aim to use nanotechnology to combat malnutrition and improve medical recordkeeping in impoverished parts of the world.
Annual Meeting
Coming soon: Stellar science in the Second City
June 18, 2024
Donita Brady and Dave Pagliarini, co-chairs of the 2025 ASBMB annual meeting, talk about the cutting-edge science they’re eager to showcase.
Training
Meet the 2024 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates
June 13, 2024
The program's sixth cohort will learn how to advocate for science funding and support this summer and will visit Capitol Hill in 2025.
Journal News
Illuminating the dark serum immunoglobulome
June 4, 2024
Researchers in the Netherlands shine a light on unique antibody repertories of severe COVID-19 patients.
Award
2024 PROLAB awardees announced
June 3, 2024
10 early-career scientists receive grants to advance their research by working in North American labs.
Journal News
From the journals: JBC
May 31, 2024
A novel antiviral factor fights flu. Clamping onto DNA. Glycosylation ensures healthy bones. Read about recent articles on these topics.
News
ASBMB members advocate for basic science
May 30, 2024
In 65 meetings on Capitol Hill, scientists urged legislators to support budget increases for NIH, NSF and DOE.
Interview
More than just omics
May 21, 2024
Meet the three co-organizers of an intimate meeting that focuses on transcription from all angles.
News
National Academies propose initiative to sequence all RNA molecules
April 19, 2024
Unlocking the epitranscriptome could transform health, medicine, agriculture, energy and national security.
Journal News
No oxygen? No problem
April 8, 2024
By studying how electric fish survive in hypoxic streams for months at time, researchers may find new ways to target tumors.
Interview
Embracing serendipity
April 4, 2024
NIGMS Deputy Director Dorit Zuk describes her scientific journey and offers tips on making career changes.
Feature
Cities under the sea
April 3, 2024
Nanotechnology offers a way to restore and re-create coral reef biodiversity.
Feature
Seeding a coral comeback
April 2, 2024
Modified stem cell transplants may be coming to a coral reef near you.
ASBMB Annual Meeting
Biochemists bite back
March 25, 2024
Undergraduates in Houston catalog Texas mosquitos that carry known and novel viruses.
Journal News
MCP names new editor-in-chief
March 22, 2024
Ileana Cristea will begin her five-year term Aug. 12.
Award
ASBMB names 2024 JBC/Tabor Award winners
March 18, 2024
The five awardees are first authors of standout papers published in 2023 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Interview
A career challenge
March 13, 2024
Susan Marqusee balances running a lab at UC Berkeley with leading one of the largest initiatives at the NSF.
Journal News
From the journals: JLR
Feb. 16, 2024
Breaking down atherosclerotic plaque. Location matters in liver disease. A lipidomic profile drives liver disease. Read about recent papers on these topics.
Interview
A ‘cozy’ California meeting on lipids
Jan. 26, 2024
Meet the cochairs of the 2025 Deuel Conference on Lipids — and learn about its namesake.
Feature
A road to survival
Jan. 17, 2024
Cutting-edge genetic therapies offer greater promise for a sickle cell cure.
Feature
New kids on the block: Base and prime editors
Jan. 17, 2024
To address the weaknesses and side effects of CRISPR-Cas9 therapies, researchers have developed two new methods for gene editing.
Annual Meeting
See the speaker lineup for #DiscoverBMB interest groups
Jan. 11, 2024
Gather with fellow meeting attendees to soak up scientific skills and pedagogical practices.
Society News
ASBMB names 2024 fellows
Jan. 9, 2024
The 17 members of this class “represent an outstanding group of scientists that push the boundaries of scientific research, mentorship, education and advocacy.”
News
FDA approves CRISPR–Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease
Dec. 8, 2023
The gene editing treatment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics is the first of its kind
Feature
The perfect storm
Dec. 6, 2023
The world has 2023 Nobel laureates Katalin Karikó, Drew Weissman and others to thank for laying a foundation for the COVID-19 vaccine decades before the pandemic.
Funding
The inside scoop on NSF fellowships
Nov. 28, 2023
National Science Foundation program directors share how grad students and postdocs can secure coveted funds.
Interview
‘The implosion of the large laboratory business model’
Nov. 22, 2023
NIGMS Director Jon Lorsch talks about challenges for researchers, what the agency is doing to help early-career scientists and the future of academic labs.
Annual Meeting
Roos’ career pivot to maximize impact
Nov. 17, 2023
He won ASBMB’s 2024 Alice and C.C. Wang Award in ͵͵ Parasitology.
Jobs
Helping you get back to work
Nov. 16, 2023
The National Institutes of Health and the Society of Women Engineers have programs to support returning scientists after a career break.
Annual Meeting
Interest group sessions for your #DiscoverBMB itinerary
Nov. 2, 2023
Connect with colleagues with shared scientific and pedagogical concerns and curiosities in San Antonio.
Member News
Petsko receives National Medal of Science
Nov. 1, 2023
The former ASBMB president was honored for "his role in founding structural enzymology, along with his commitment to educating the public about brain health."
Annual Meeting
Science in San Antonio with Susan Weintraub
Oct. 23, 2023
She founded and directs the mass spectrometry core lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
News
A Nobel for biochemistry underlying COVID-19 vaccines
Oct. 2, 2023
Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman won the 2023 prize for medicine or physiology “for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.”
Annual Meeting
It’s time to take the fast track to #DiscoverBMB!
Sept. 18, 2023
The early-decision abstract program allows researchers to receive a decision by Nov. 1. Submit yours by Oct. 12.
Observance
Top-notch papers by postdocs
Sept. 15, 2023
During National Postdoc Appreciation Week, learn about the postdoc first authors of the most-read papers in ASBMB’s journals.
Annual Meeting
#DiscoverBMB spotlight talks to showcase members’ findings
Sept. 13, 2023
Vahe Bandarian, chair of the ASBMB Meetings Committee, offers advice for making your abstract competitive and other tips.
Feature
Next-gen biopsies take the sting out of diagnosis
Sept. 6, 2023
Researchers are developing noninvasive tests using exosomes, proteomics and bodily fluids.
Journal News
Breast milk from rhinos and dolphins and whales, oh my!
Aug. 29, 2023
In study of diverse mammals’ breastmilk, researchers find shared immunomodulatory components.
Interview
Serine proteases: ‘The quintessential signaling molecule’
Aug. 22, 2023
Meeting organizers discuss using serine proteases ‘as allies’ for drug development.
Annual Meeting
Showcasing the future of BMB
Aug. 16, 2023
Discover BMB 2024 co-chairs Vanina Zaremberg and Benjamin talk about cutting-edge thematic sessions and how to make your meeting experience worthwhile.
Society News
2023 ASBMB election results
Aug. 9, 2023
Learn about the president-elect, interim treasurer and newly elected and re-elected members of Council and committees.
Blotter
ASBMB calls for student loan relief
Aug. 4, 2023
In public hearing testimony to the Department of Education, ASBMB calls for student loan relief programs and expresses concern about how student loans disadvantage the scientific workforce
Blotter
Crime scene biochemistry at the Capitol
July 28, 2023
ASBMB committee members and staff educate congressional staffers on biochemistry with an immunoassay demonstration.
Journal News
JBC editors weigh in on AI in science publishing
July 24, 2023
In an editorial, they say they’ll allow its use in manuscript preparation but not during the review process.
Blotter
ASBMB expresses concerns about proposed NIH budget cuts
July 21, 2023
If passed, the appropriations bill would cut NIAID’s budget by almost 23%, NINDS’s budget by 5% and both NCI and NIGMS’s budgets by almost 3%.
Blotter
ASBMB raises concerns about proposed NIH subaward policy
July 7, 2023
The society says the new policy, if adopted, will discourage collaboration and heighten administrative burden on scientists.
Blotter
ASBMB responds to proposed NIH NSRA fixes
July 6, 2023
The society applauds removal of grades from the application, inclusion of applicant special circumstance statement and reviewer bias training.
Announcement
Avoid FOMO by catching #DiscoverBMB 2023’s greatest hits
June 26, 2023
The ASBMB offers access to all recorded oral presentations from Seattle in an easy-to-browse collection for purchase.
Blotter
Biochemists and molecular biologists meet with federal agencies
June 23, 2023
ASBMB members meet with NIH, NSF, USDA, DOE and more to discuss basic science funding and programs.
Journal News
Cholesterol lures in coronavirus
June 20, 2023
New study shows that cholesterol aggregates can promote SARS-CoV-2 infection to help the virus invade cells.
Announcement
MCP seeks new editor-in-chief
June 16, 2023
Longtime leader Al Burlingame will step down at the end of the year.
Journal News
New diagnostic finds intact sperm in infertile men
June 14, 2023
Researchers discover novel protein biomarkers to visualize well-developed sperm to determine if surgical sperm extraction may be successful.
Blotter
ASBMB recommends caregiving support policies
June 12, 2023
Society sends recommendations advising the National Academies to bolster caregiver support and improve caregiving access.
Pride
'I hope that our actions show our members that we are doing our best to support them'
June 6, 2023
A Q&A with ASBMB Policy Manager Raechel McKinley on the organization’s national-level advocacy for LGBTQIA+ scientists, trainees and students.
Interview
'CoA as the central core'
June 2, 2023
ASBMB meeting on CoA and its derivatives will take place in Wisconsin in August and will feature sessions on metabolism, intracellular cross talk, proteostasis, autophagy and technological advances in mass spectrometry.
Announcement
Meet the 2023 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates
May 24, 2023
ASBMB announces a new cohort of 12 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates who will learn about science policy and advocacy through this summer externship
News
ASBMB members meet with lawmakers on the Hill
May 18, 2023
In 48 meetings, scientists advocated for budget increases for NIH, NSF and DOE.
News from the Hill
Researchers to advocate for fundamental science on Capitol Hill
May 17, 2023
Sixteen ASBMB researchers from 16 states to meet with U.S. senators and representatives on Capitol Hill to advocate for basic science research funding for NIH, NSF, DOE
Journal News
High-fat diet ‘turns up the thermostat’ on atherosclerosis
May 11, 2023
Researchers show phospholipid derivatives from a Western diet promote increased levels of gut-derived bacterial toxins, systemic inflammation, atherosclerosis plaque formation.
Journal News
Biochemists identify cause of rare disease
May 5, 2023
Finding that a mutation in a DNA-replication protein causes the ataxia-like condition has immediate impact on patient care.
Blotter
ASBMB calls for better wages and benefits for postdocs
May 2, 2023
The society urges the NIH to require institutions to provide basic benefits, training plans and professional development for them.
Journal News
Overcoming missed connections to battle Alzheimer’s
April 27, 2023
Researchers identify a protein that may allow some people to resist dementia despite plaque accumulation.
Blotter
ASBMB cautions against sacrificing science funds to make debt-ceiling deal
April 20, 2023
Society emphasizes the importance of preserving research from scientists supported by the NIH, NSF and DOE.
Journal News
A second chance for a healthy heart
April 19, 2023
Researchers use cellular reprogramming to make damaged organ almost good as new.
Blotter
ASBMB urges NIAID to prioritize DEAI
April 6, 2023
The society calls upon the institute to expand the use of research supplements, support scientists with disabilities and those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Journal News
Finding a way to combat long COVID
April 5, 2023
Recent study reveals neurodegenerative biomarkers after COVID-19 and gives clues for monitoring and potential treatment.
Journal News
Peering into ocular waste recycling
April 4, 2023
Researchers uncover a mechanism that causes blindness and could lead to targeted therapies.
Blotter
ASBMB calls for 10% budget increase for NIGMS
March 31, 2023
In testimony to federal appropriators, the society argues a big boost for the institute is long overdue.
News
National Academies report calls for antiracist reforms
March 22, 2023
Institutions must make significant, structural changes, the authors say.
Blotter
ASBMB cautions against drastic immigration fee increases
March 21, 2023
The USCIS proposed increasing its filing fees for employment-based visas by up to 2,050%. The ASBMB said the hike “is likely to harm the retention of highly skilled foreign-born scientific researchers.”
Journal News
The ‘Rapunzel’ virus: an evolutionary oddity
March 14, 2023
Extremely long tail provides window into how bacteria-infecting viruses assemble.
Journal News
Seeking leukemia’s Achilles heel
March 8, 2023
Researchers identify potential therapeutic for acute myeloid leukemia that targets a DNA repair protein.
Annual Meeting
Puzzling out science
March 7, 2023
JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Award winner Ethan J.C. Walker will share his findings on methionine and protein stability at Discover BMB.
Announcement
ASBMB comments on proposed changes to grant review
March 6, 2023
The society expresses support for measure to reduce bias and calls for pilot study and triage reform.
Journal News
Reimagining drugs for rare brain disorder
Feb. 16, 2023
Researchers develop a new pipeline to screen a large number of existing compounds to find a therapy for an ataxia.
Journal News
Harnessing good fats to relieve MS symptoms
Feb. 8, 2023
Researchers find that fish oil derivative reduces and delays disease–causing inflammation in mice.
Blotter
ASBMB calls for broad federal effort to support scientists with disabilities
Feb. 2, 2023
Society endorses NIH moves toward disability inclusion and urges other agencies to follow suit.
Blotter
ASBMB makes recommendations to support bioeconomy
Feb. 1, 2023
Society advocates for immigration and funding reforms to diversify the workforce and measures to ensure equitable access to standardized data and tools.
Blotter
ASBMB lauds parts of defense authorization that bolster HBCUs
Jan. 27, 2023
Law orders the creation of a pilot program to increase research capacity and improve training and infrastructure.