Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Scientists caution on some experimental Parkinson’s therapies

Some experimental therapies for Parkinson’s disease designed to improve the function of mitochondria may inadvertently damage them instead. That’s according to the study, “Putative PINK1/Parkin activators lower the threshold for mitophagy by sensitizing cells to mitochondrial stress,” which was published in Science Advances. Researchers said…

Eye test can distinguish Parkinson’s from secondary parkinsonism

Imaging of nerves in the eyes may be used to differentiate between Parkinson’s disease and secondary forms of parkinsonism, a new study shows. The study, “Corneal confocal microscopy differentiates patients with secondary parkinsonism from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease,” was published in NPJ Parkinson’s Disease. Recommended…

Processed food tied to higher risk of early Parkinson’s symptoms

People who eat large amounts of highly processed foods are more likely to develop early Parkinson’s disease symptoms, a study found. “There’s growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson’s disease,” Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, co-author of the study and a professor at Fudan University in China, said…