Alexandra Ossola, Science Writer
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Recent Work

The world of publishing moves pretty fast--I'm constantly finding new projects that captivate my attention and imagination, and that interest lasts long after the stories have been published. Here are a handful of my recently-published pieces to give you a glimpse into what I'm telling my friends these days. For a more comprehensive list of subjects I've covered, check out my Writing page.

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How HIV Became An Issue Of International Security
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(Mosaic Science)

Around 2000, something strange happened with HIV/AIDS--it became the first disease to be considered an issue of national security. That shift allowed the US government to pour money into prevention and treatment and affected how we handle pandemics today. ​

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These DNA Diet Apps Want To Rule Your Health
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(Backchannel)

Swab your cheek, mail it to one of these companies, and they'll tell you what you should eat and how you should exercise based on your DNA. Does it matter if they don't really work?

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The Psychology of the Sample Sale
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(Racked)

One time my mom took me to one of those designer sales at Target. I couldn't keep up. What's going on in the heads of sample sale shoppers?

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Medical Studies Still Exclude People of Color
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(Tonic)

If study populations are not diverse, doctors won't know how to recognize or treat disease in a way that works for everyone. So researchers are setting their sights on recruiting more diverse patients. That takes a surprising amount of finesse.

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Endangered: A Bird And A Tribe
(Undark)

A vanishingly rare hummingbird shares the same fate as the indigenous tribe in the remote mountains of Colombia. What happens when the needs of people and conservation butt heads? I traveled to Colombia for this piece, which was a labor of love two years in the making. 

Last updated June 2, 2017
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