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

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…

GCase Enzyme Activity Not Linked to Parkinson’s Risk, Severity

The activity of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, called GCase, is not tied to the risk of developing Parkinson’s, nor linked with the disease’s severity, a new analysis from Israel indicates. “We did not find an association with risk for” the early signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the researchers wrote,…

Oral ANVS401 Improves Patients’ Motor Skills in Phase 2 Trial

Once-a-day treatment with oral ANVS401 was found to significantly improve motor skills among Parkinson’s disease patients in a Phase 2a clinical trial. Annovis Bio, the company developing ANVS401, is now planning to meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss possibly initiating larger Phase 3 studies. “We…

SBT-272, Supporting Mitochondria, Eases Disease Symptoms in Mice

Treatment with an investigational medicine called SBT-272 markedly eased signs of Parkinson’s disease in a mouse model, according to its developer Stealth BioTherapeutics. “We are excited about the promise of SBT-272 as a potential therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases,” Reenie McCarthy, the CEO of Stealth, said in a…