Contributors

Marissa Locke Rottinghaus

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

Guiding grocery carts to shape healthy habits
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.
From lab to land: Crop modifications are fortifying our food supply against climate change
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
Join the pioneers of ferroptosis at cell death conference
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.
How antioxidant-enhanced ice cream is changing the game for frozen treats
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
Modified pea proteins are shaping the future of meat alternatives
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.
What makes lager yeast special? Inside the genetics of beer
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.
Brain-on-a-chip tech powers neuroscience research
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: William L. Smith
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.
Nobel for ‘breakthrough in biochemistry’
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.
Nobel honors discovery of microRNAs
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.”
ASBMB names 2025 award winners
Award

ASBMB names 2025 award winners

Aug. 20, 2024
Check out their lectures at the annual meeting in April in Chicago!
In memoriam: Lubert Stryer
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.
The visa voyage
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.
Invisible and undervalued: Navigating caregiving and careers in STEM
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: Maxine Singer
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.
Water is the 2024 molecule of the year
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.
Microparticles safeguard vitamins and information
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.
Coming soon: Stellar science in the Second City
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.
Meet the 2024 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates
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.
Illuminating the dark serum immunoglobulome
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.
2024 PROLAB awardees announced
Award

2024 PROLAB awardees announced

June 3, 2024
10 early-career scientists receive grants to advance their research by working in North American labs.
From the journals: JBC
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.
ASBMB members advocate for basic science
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.
More than just omics
Interview

More than just omics

May 21, 2024
Meet the three co-organizers of an intimate meeting that focuses on transcription from all angles.
National Academies propose initiative to sequence all RNA molecules
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.
No oxygen? No problem
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.
Embracing serendipity
Interview

Embracing serendipity

April 4, 2024
NIGMS Deputy Director Dorit Zuk describes her scientific journey and offers tips on making career changes.
‘Cities under the sea’
Feature

Cities under the sea

April 3, 2024
Nanotechnology offers a way to restore and re-create coral reef biodiversity.
Seeding a coral comeback
Feature

Seeding a coral comeback

April 2, 2024
Modified stem cell transplants may be coming to a coral reef near you.
Biochemists bite back
ASBMB Annual Meeting

Biochemists bite back

March 25, 2024
Undergraduates in Houston catalog Texas mosquitos that carry known and novel viruses.
Molecular & Cellular Proteomics names new editor-in-chief
Journal News

MCP names new editor-in-chief

March 22, 2024
Ileana Cristea will begin her five-year term Aug. 12.
ASBMB names 2024 JBC/Tabor Award winners
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.
‘A career challenge’
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.
From the journals: JLR
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.
A ‘cozy’ California meeting on lipids
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.
A road to survival
Feature

A road to survival

Jan. 17, 2024
Cutting-edge genetic therapies offer greater promise for a sickle cell cure.
New kids on the block: Base and prime editors
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.
See the speaker lineup for #DiscoverBMB interest groups
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.
ASBMB names 2024 fellows
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.”
FDA approves CRISPR–Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease
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
The perfect storm
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.
The inside scoop on NSF fellowships
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.
‘The implosion of the large laboratory business model’
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.
Roos’ career pivot to maximize impact
Annual Meeting

Roos’ career pivot to maximize impact

Nov. 17, 2023
He won ASBMB’s 2024 Alice and C.C. Wang Award in Molecular Parasitology.
Helping you get back to work
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.
Interest group sessions for your #DiscoverBMB itinerary
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.
Petsko receives National Medal of Science
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."
Science in San Antonio with Susan Weintraub
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.
A Nobel for biochemistry underlying COVID-19 vaccines
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.”
It’s time to take the fast track to #DiscoverBMB!
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.
Top-notch papers by postdocs
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.
#DiscoverBMB spotlight talks to showcase members’ findings
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.
Next-gen biopsies take the sting out of diagnosis
Feature

Next-gen biopsies take the sting out of diagnosis

Sept. 6, 2023
Researchers are developing noninvasive tests using exosomes, proteomics and bodily fluids.
Breast milk from rhinos and dolphins and whales, oh my!
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.
Serine proteases: ‘The quintessential signaling molecule’
Interview

Serine proteases: ‘The quintessential signaling molecule’

Aug. 22, 2023
Meeting organizers discuss using serine proteases ‘as allies’ for drug development.
Showcasing the future of BMB
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.
2023 ASBMB election results
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.
ASBMB calls for student loan relief
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
Crime scene biochemistry at the Capitol
Blotter

Crime scene biochemistry at the Capitol

July 28, 2023
ASBMB committee members and staff educate congressional staffers on biochemistry with an immunoassay demonstration.
JBC editors weigh in on AI in science publishing
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.
ASBMB expresses concerns about proposed NIH budget cuts
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%.
ASBMB raises concerns about proposed NIH subaward policy
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.
ASBMB weighs in on changes to NIH fellowship review
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.
Avoid FOMO by catching #DiscoverBMB 2023’s greatest hits
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.
Biochemists and molecular biologists meet with federal agencies
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.
Cholesterol lures in coronavirus
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.
MCP seeks new editor-in-chief
Announcement

MCP seeks new editor-in-chief

June 16, 2023
Longtime leader Al Burlingame will step down at the end of the year.
New diagnostic finds intact sperm in infertile men
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.
ASBMB recommends caregiving support policies
Blotter

ASBMB recommends caregiving support policies

June 12, 2023
Society sends recommendations advising the National Academies to bolster caregiver support and improve caregiving access.
'I hope that our actions show our members that we are doing our best to support them'
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.
‘CoA as the central core’
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.
Meet the 2023 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates
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
ASBMB members meet with lawmakers on the Hill
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.
Researchers to advocate for fundamental science on Capitol Hill
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
High-fat diet ‘turns up the thermostat’ on atherosclerosis
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.
Biochemists identify cause of rare disease
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.
ASBMB calls for better wages and benefits for postdocs
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.
Overcoming missed connections to battle Alzheimer’s
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.
ASBMB cautions against sacrificing science funds to make debt-ceiling deal
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.
A second chance for a healthy heart
Journal News

A second chance for a healthy heart

April 19, 2023
Researchers use cellular reprogramming to make damaged organ almost good as new.
ASBMB urges NIAID to prioritize DEAI
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.
Finding a way to combat long COVID
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.
Peering into ocular waste recycling
Journal News

Peering into ocular waste recycling

April 4, 2023
Researchers uncover a mechanism that causes blindness and could lead to targeted therapies.
ASBMB calls for 10% budget increase for NIGMS
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.
National Academies report calls for antiracist reforms
News

National Academies report calls for antiracist reforms

March 22, 2023
Institutions must make significant, structural changes, the authors say.
ASBMB cautions against drastic immigration fee increases
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.”
The ‘Rapunzel’ virus: an evolutionary oddity
Journal News

The ‘Rapunzel’ virus: an evolutionary oddity

March 14, 2023
Extremely long tail provides window into how bacteria-infecting viruses assemble.
Seeking leukemia’s Achilles heel
Journal News

Seeking leukemia’s Achilles heel

March 8, 2023
Researchers identify potential therapeutic for acute myeloid leukemia that targets a DNA repair protein.
Puzzling out science
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.
ASBMB offers feedback on NIH’s proposed grant review framework
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.
Reimagining drugs for rare brain disorder
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.
Harnessing good fats to relieve MS symptoms
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.
ASBMB calls for broad federal effort to support scientists with disabilities
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.
ASBMB makes recommendations to support bioeconomy
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.
ASBMB lauds parts of defense authorization that bolster HBCUs
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.