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

Plant of Indian Medicine Seen to Ease Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome

Adding a plant-derived agent called Withania somnifera, used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and thought to help with disturbed sleep, to the insomnia medicines given a woman with Parkinson’s disease appears to have eased her insomnia and completely alleviated her restless leg syndrome, researchers in India report. The case report, “…

Patients in Need of Levodopa Add-on Rate 3 Treatment Classes in Trial

In treating Parkinson’s symptoms that aren’t being adequately controlled by levodopa, monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors are better than catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, according to patient-reported assessments in a clinical trial. The real-world study found no difference in effectiveness between MAO-B — like COMT, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor —…

Top 10 Parkinson’s Disease Stories of 2021

All through 2021, Parkinson’s News Today brought you coverage of cutting-edge science and developments in treatment related to Parkinson’s disease. Here are the top 10 most-read Parkinson’s news stories of the year. We look forward to continuing to cover news for the Parkinson’s community in 2022. No. 10 – “…

How PINK1 Activates to Affect Neurons Captured for First Time

In a “world-first,” scientists in Australia report in detail what happens to the PINK1 protein when it is activated, helping to clear the “confusion” that has surrounded this support protein for cells that include dopamine-producing neurons. Since mutations in the PINK1 gene that codes for this protein are known to cause…

Inflammatory Bacteria in Nose Linked to Parkinson’s Risk

People with Parkinson’s disease tend to have high numbers of pro-inflammatory bacteria in their noses, according to a new study. Researchers think these bacteria may be a trigger for inflammation in the brain, which could help to set the stage for the development of Parkinson’s. The study, “Deep…