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

New technique may aid Parkinson’s cell therapies’ efficiency

Scientists have developed a more efficient method for using stem cells to create new dopaminergic neurons, the dopamine-making nerve cells whose death and dysfunction causes Parkinson’s disease. The technique was detailed in Nature Communications, in the study, “Enhanced production of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from lineage-restricted human…

MTX325 moving into clinical testing in the coming months

The U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given Mission Therapeutics clearance to launch a Phase 1 clinical trial testing MTX325, its experimental oral therapy for Parkinson’s disease. “The MHRA’s authorisation marks a major step forward in our mission to develop MTX325 as a disease-modifying therapy for…

Nicotinamide riboside supplement may help ease motor symptoms

One month of a high-dose nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplement — thought to boost energy production in the body’s cells — was well-tolerated and eased motor symptoms among people with Parkinson’s disease in a small clinical trial. But the researchers caution that these results are preliminary, and note that data…

Device measures alpha-synuclein at very low concentrations

Scientists have developed a handheld device that can be used to measure levels of biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. “This portable diagnostic system would allow testing at-home and at point of care, like clinics and nursing homes, for neurodegenerative diseases globally,” Ratnesh Lal, PhD, said in…

Antioxidant actions of ATH434 may help to slow Parkinson’s advance

ATH434, an experimental therapy that’s currently in clinical trials for a type of atypical parkinsonism known as multiple system atrophy (MSA), has antioxidant activities that may protect mitochondria and contribute to its therapeutic effects. Data supporting its actions were presented this month at the Society for Neuroscience in Washington,…

Compounds from marigold flowers show promise as treatment

Compounds extracted from marigold flowers may be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease, according to a study done in laboratory models. The study, “Active compounds from Calendula officinalis flowers act via PI3K and ERK signaling pathways to offer neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s disease,” was published in Food…