Patricia Inácio, PhD,  science writer—

Patricia holds her PhD in cell biology from the University Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, and has served as an author on several research projects and fellowships, as well as major grant applications for European agencies. She also served as a PhD student research assistant in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, for which she was awarded a Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) fellowship.

Articles by Patricia Inácio

Technology for protein fingerprints may aid with early diagnosis

Inoviq’s Neuro-Net technology can aid in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease at early stages, with it having effectively isolated and identified brain-released exosomes, small vesicles whose information can act as disease fingerprints, in patients’ blood, the company announced. Measuring known biomarkers of the neurodegenerative disease using this technology enriched their…

Parkinson’s Foundation awards more than $1M in grants

The Parkinson’s Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in 92 community-based grants across 40 states in the U.S. to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease. This year’s funding, which ranges between $10,000 to $25,000 per organization, was awarded to programs that address local Parkinson’s…

Seaweed polyphenols may protect nerve cells, ease symptoms

Compounds called polyphenols in the Ecklonia cava seaweed eased motor and nonmotor symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. Treatment with the polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, also prevented the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. The benefits are…

AI tool reveals nuances in Parkinson’s disease progression

Scientists at the University of Florida (UF) have developed an artificial intelligence-powered tool to help neurologists track Parkinson’s disease progression. The system analyzes video of patients’ performance on the finger-tapping test, a standard test that requires the patient to quickly tap the thumb and index finger about 10 times. It…

Home exercise helps Parkinson’s motor symptoms: Analysis

Home-based exercise, such as aerobic, strength, or balance exercises, helps relieve overall motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a meta-analysis. But benefits were only seen when patients exercised for a minimum of eight weeks, and no less than 30 times. The findings provide “clinicians and patients with clear…