Lori Youmshajekian is an award-winning science journalist who focuses on debunking popular health trends, explaining new research findings, and investigating scientific misconduct.
Writing for leading American science magazines, such as Scientific American and National Geographic, her reporting cuts through the hype and misinformation influencing the biggest health conversations of today: GLP-1 medications, ultra-processed foods, and any health trend making the rounds on social media. By breaking down the evidence, she helps readers understand what actually affects their health.
She also writes extensively about the messy side of research, tracing how dodgy studies, fraud and scientific misconduct affect the science we rely on.
She began her career in her hometown Sydney, where she won awards for her video work at Newscorp and served as a writer and producer for TV and online video at the ABC, the national broadcaster. Her early reporting on social justice campaigns contributed to legislative changes across Australia.
She spent two years in New York, earning her master’s in science, health and environmental journalism from NYU. Now based in Yerevan, Armenia, she works as a freelancer, also regularly covering the environmental and health issues specific to the country.
Scroll to browse some of her recent work, and please note this collection is not exhaustive.
Armenia
Yale e360: Freeing Captive Bears from Armenia’s Backyards and Basements
Yale e360: As Armenian Fish Farming Expands, a Pristine Aquifer Is Drying Up
EVN Report: Why Armenian Children Eat So Much Sugar
EVN Report: Maps Show a Forest, But Where Are the Trees?
Health
National Geographic: Which sugar substitute is best for you? Here’s how they compare
Scientific American: Why Ozempic and Wegovy Might Change Some People’s Favorite Foods
Scientific American: Most People Stop Ozempic after Two Years. What Happens to Weight and Health?
National Geographic: Cortisol rises during intense workouts. Is that really a bad thing?
Scientific American: Experimental Ovarian Tissue Freezing Could Delay Menopause, but Experts Are Weighing the Risks
Scientific American: How a Weight-Loss Trend on TikTok Might Encourage Eating Disorders
WIRED: Why Women Get Migraines More Than Men
Scientific American: How Do Ultraprocessed Foods Affect Your Health?
Research Misconduct
Read my reporting on retractions, institutional investigations and other high-profile cases of misconduct at Retraction Watch.
For a more comprehensive list of my published written work, visit my muckrack.
Newsletter
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