Andrea Lobo,  —

Andrea Lobo is a Science writer at BioNews. She holds a Biology degree and a PhD in Cell Biology/Neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. She was a postdoctoral and senior researcher at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health in Porto, in drug addiction, studying neuronal plasticity induced by amphetamines. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals. She shifted towards a career in science writing and communication in 2022.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

Collaboration to expand access to alpha-synuclein protein test in US

A new collaborative effort between Mayo Clinical Laboratories and Amprion will expand access to the diagnostic company’s SAAmplify–αSYN test — designed to detect the presence of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in people suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases — across the U.S., according to a joint press release.

AI model may predict brain age in Parkinson’s by stiffness, volume

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a model that combines artificial intelligence with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to measure brain stiffness and volume for predicting brain age. MRE is a noninvasive method that can measure changes in brain stiffness by using a gentle vibration of a person’s head…

Newronika’s adaptive DBS system to launch this year in Europe

Newronika is preparing for the commercial launch of AlphaDBS — a next-generation adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) system for treating Parkinson’s disease — at selected markets in Europe this year, following CE Mark approval in the European Union. That’s according to a company press release, in which…

MRI-AI model may help distinguish Parkinson’s, atypical parkinsonism

Neuropacs‘ MRI-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology demonstrated 96% accuracy in distinguishing Parkinson’s disease from atypical parkinsonism — including multiple system atrophy, known as MSA, and progressive supranuclear palsy, called PSP — the company announced, detailing the results of a federally funded U.S. study. Moreover, the system achieved 98%…

Multiple sleep difficulties common in people with early Parkinson’s

Most people with early-stage Parkinson’s disease have sleep disturbances, with many having more than one at the same time, a study in France suggests. Sleep disorders were mainly associated with body changes, including motor symptoms and problems regulating involuntary bodily functions, rather than depression or anxiety. “The timely…

Home care agency named Parkinson’s community care partner

Angels on Call, a home care services provider, has been recognized as a Community Partner in Parkinson’s Care by the Parkinson’s Foundation. The Community Partner in Parkinson’s Care membership program educates and trains staff to deliver care plans specifically focused on Parkinson’s patient’s symptoms and…

Funding secured for environmental toxins project in Parkinson’s

A researcher at the University of Wollongong in Australia has received funding of nearly 400,000 Australian dollars (about $250,000) to investigate the links between environmental toxins, such as pesticides and nanoplastics, and Parkinson’s disease. The funding, from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the…

Blood test may predict dementia risk in people with REM sleep disorder

Among people with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, blood biomarkers associated with dementia may help identify those at risk of developing Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a condition that shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease. Particularly, blood levels of two proteins — amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio and p-tau…

First patient dosed in Parkinson’s clinical trial of Ventus’ VENT-02

A Phase 2a clinical trial testing Ventus Therapeutics’ VENT-02 — a novel brain-penetrating oral medication — in adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease has dosed its first patient. The study (NCT06822517), expected to enroll about 30 people with Parkinson’s, is assessing the treatment’s safety, tolerability, effects on…