Rachel Rettner

Rachel Rettner

Live Science Staff Writer
Rachael has been with Live Science since 2010. She has a masters degree in journalism from New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and a Master of Science in biology from the University of California, San Diego.

Articles by: Rachel Rettner

A new study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to show dramatic changes in the brain during pregnancy. Pregnancy increased gray matter loss and reshaped the default mode network, which is responsible for the mind wandering and a sense of identity.

Pregnancy causes dramatic changes in the brain, study confirms

By Rachel Rettner published

Pregnancy caused women to lose gray matter, and reshaped the brain’s "default mode network," a set of brain regions that are most active when the mind is wandering.

The chemical structure of testosterone

What is Testosterone?

By Rachel Rettner published

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is important for sexual and reproductive development.

Missing Image for

Interactive Video Games More Likely to Cause Shoulder, Foot Injuries

By Rachel Rettner published

The Nintendo Wii may get kids up on their feet, but they should watch where they swing that remote.