Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta

Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta

Live Science Contributor

Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta is a freelance science journalist based in New Delhi, India. Her work has appeared in New Scientist, The Scientist, and AGU's Eos, among others. She is a medical doctor and a pathologist by training and has previously done research in the fields of immunology, cancer and tuberculosis. Her love for science and writing led her to become a science writer. She has written on health, climate change, astrophysics, genealogy and a host of other themes. Besides writing, she enjoys painting, reading widely, traveling and listening to music. 

Latest articles by Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta

illustration of dna molecules depicted in rainbow colors

Gene variant carried by 1 in 5 people may guard against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, massive study finds

By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published

An immune-related gene variant has been tied to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's across a huge, diverse population of people.

Alzheimers & Dementia
illustration shows an ezyme processing a DNA molecule in order to copy its instructions into another similar looking molecule, called RNA

Scientists 'remote-controlled' designer human cells implanted in mice using only DC currents

By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published

Using off-the-shelf consumer batteries, scientists stimulated insulin release from engineered human cells implanted in diabetic mice and restored the rodents' normal blood sugar levels.

Genetics
Sagittal sections of mouse clitoris (left) and mouse penis (right) stained for S100 (magenta) and tdtomato (green) showing higher density of Krause corpuscles in the clitoris. S100 is a marker for terminal Schwann cells that wrap around the nerve terminals, while tdtomato labels the sensory nerve that innervates the Krause corpuscles.

We've finally identified the nerve cells in the clitoris and penis that respond to vibration

By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published

A new study in mice shows that Krause corpuscles are specialized to respond to vibration and light touch, and are key to normal sexual behavior.

Health
Hand lying palm up on white foreground with pinky bent upward

Mysterious 'Viking disease' linked to Neanderthal DNA

By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published

A new study finds that the key genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's disease, a crippling hand disorder, are derived from Neanderthals.

Genetics