Technical Science and medical Writing
This category includes formal scientific and medical writing : white papers, research summaries, evidence syntheses, evidence-based editorials, study reports, abstracts, presentations, and continuing medical education (CME) materials. These projects typically involve extensive literature review, multiple rounds of revision, specific formatting requirements, and formally cited references.
Accuracy is the priority, and wording matters. In science and medicine, an imprecise phrase can change the meaning of a claim or reveal a gap in understanding. When I write about a topic outside my expertise, I research beyond what will appear on the page. I want to understand the subject well enough to stand behind my words, and be able to confidently answer reasonable follow up questions.
Writing Samples
The following are samples from a few of my writing projects. At the end of each short excerpt on this page is a “Read More” link that will take you to a page with a longer excerpt. The original pieces in their entirety are not available.
If you do not see a sample that closely matches your project, please reach out. I am always interested in discussing new subjects, formats, or audiences, and I will be candid about my level of experience with the type of work you need.
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Mechanism
Cytochrome C Oxidase
The first law of photobiology says that to have a biological effect, a photon must be absorbed by a molecule in the cell. This can be a chromophore or a photoacceptor. The important chromophores in the skin are melanin, hemoglobin and water. The distinction is that the chromophores absorb light and convert the energy into heat. A photoacceptor absorbs photons and uses the energy to catalyze a chemical reaction. Photobiomodulation (PBM) primarily involves using photoacceptors to catalyze reactions.
The photoacceptor thought to be central to the effects of PBM cytochrome c oxidase (CCO or COX). CCO is a component of the electron transport chain in the mitochondrial membrane. Photon absorption by CCO increases cellular respiration, thus increasing ATP, and the cell’s ability to do work. The leading hypothesis to explain exactly how light increases CCO activity is that nitric oxide, which is known to bind to CCO and inhibit respiration, is displaced by a photon of red or NIR light. So, it disables an inhibitor. [2]
Secondary Mechanisms
Reactive Oxygen Species
The secondary effects of photon absorption include increases in ATP, an increase in nitric oxide, change in calcium levels, and a brief burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reactive oxygen species are by-products of aerobic (using oxygen) metabolism. They are unstable molecules that want to “steal” electrons from other molecules to become more stable. In doing so, they disrupt other molecules, potentially causing damage to proteins, cells, and DNA.