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

Studies Into How Alpha-synuclein Affects Key Immune Cell Needed

More research is needed to understand how alpha-synuclein — a protein whose accumulation is characteristic of Parkinson’s disease — affects cells other than nerve cells, particularly microglia, the resident immune cell of the brain. A pair of researchers at the Van Andel Institute in Michigan raised this argument after…

Low Levels of Vitamin B6 and B12 Linked to Patients’ Nerve Damage

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, was linked to abnormally low levels of the vitamins B6 and B12 in three people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a case report. “All patients were consecutively identified within one year at a single institution,” the researchers wrote, which suggests that neuropathy associated with low levels…

Reduced Dopamine Shown to Impact Activity in Brain Motor Cortex

Reduced dopamine signaling leads to abnormal activity in the motor cortex— the part of the brain chiefly responsible for controlling movement — a new study in mice illustrates. This result helps to shed light on the biological underpinnings of Parkinson’s disease, which is characterized by abnormally low dopamine levels…

Study: Nearly 40% of Patients Have Minor Hallucinations

Nearly four of every 10 patients with Parkinson’s disease experience minor hallucinations, a new study from China estimates. Results suggest a link between minor hallucinations and Parkinson’s-related sleep problems. The study, “Prevalence and Risk Factors for Minor Hallucinations in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease,” was published in …

Study Exploring Why Alpha-synuclein Hurts Some Cells But Not Others

A new research project seeks to better characterize the structural properties of alpha-synuclein, which researchers hope will lead to a better understanding of this protein’s toxic effects in Parkinson’s disease. One of the hallmark features of Parkinson’s is the formation of aggregates — “clumps” or “tangles” — of alpha-synuclein…