Posts by: Marisa Wexler, MS

Marisa Wexler, MS

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

Study Describes New Compounds With Potential to Treat ALS

News

Newly developed compounds derived from ebselen could be used to treat some types of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a recent study suggests. The study, “Novel Selenium-based compounds with therapeutic ... Read more

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020

C9orf72 Mutations Lead to Increased Immune Activity, Mouse Study Suggests

News

Mutations in the gene C9orf72, a common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cause immune cells to have an abnormally potent inflammatory response when certain receptors are are activated, ... Read more

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

ILB, Potential ALS Therapy in Phase 2 Trial,Named Orphan Drug in Europe

News

The European Commission has granted orphan drug designation to ILB, Tikomed‘s investigational treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the EU, this designation is based on a positive opinion ... Read more

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

Ultrasound Measures of Muscle May Help in Diagnosing, Evaluating ALS

News

Measurements taken of muscle using ultrasound could be useful in diagnosing or managing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a small study suggests. The study, “Application of Muscle Ultrasound for the evaluation ... Read more

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020

Study Finds Higher Risk of Prolonged Grief Among Bereaved Caregivers of MND Patients

News

Bereaved caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) are at increased risk of prolonged grief disorder compared to the general bereaved population, a new study suggests. This indicates a need ... Read more

July 10, 2020July 10, 2020

Diagnostic Delays in ALS ‘Surprisingly Large’ and Need Not Be, Study Says

News

Long delays between symptom onset and diagnosis are common with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and need not be if general practitioners (GPs) were more aware of the disease and its ... Read more

July 7, 2020July 7, 2020

Study Examines Barriers to Social Prescribing for People With Motor Neurone Disease

News

Barriers need to be overcome in order to facilitate community engagement programs for people with motor neurone disease (MND), a group of diseases that includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ... Read more

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020

Research Aims to Help Advanced ALS Patients Communicate More Easily

News

A research project underway at the University of Rhode Island (URI) aims to help people with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severely limiting disorders communicate better by ... Read more

June 2, 2020June 4, 2020

COVID-19 Challenges ALS Care, But Telemedicine a Vast Opportunity

News

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed new challenges on diagnosing, monitoring, and caring for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), from the absence of in-person visits to a lack of ... Read more

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020

Ventilator Adaptations Crucial for ALS Patients During COVID-19, Scientists Say

News

For people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) currently on non-invasive ventilation, modifications to existing equipment may help to minimize risk of an infection for both them and their caregivers ... Read more

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