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

Radicava ORS fares well in Phase 3 clinical trial

Note: This story was updated March 10, 2023, to correct a secondary headline to note the therapy was tracked for less than a year. The story also clarifies the timing of results from a Phase 3 clinical trial and that edaravone is believed to reduce oxidative stress. Radicava ORS, an…

NINDS sets new priorities for ALS research to improve life quality

A group of experts, led by scientists from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), has published a set of strategic priorities for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community that are expected to guide future research funding. The goals include better understanding the biology underlying ALS, finding…

Motor neurons’ size may make them vulnerable to ALS

Human motor neurons rely on a specialized molecular architecture to help support their large size, which may partially explain why they are more vulnerable than other nerve cells to damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). That’s according to the study, “A cellular taxonomy of the adult…

Soft wearable robot improves arm function for people with ALS

A wearable robotic device that helps lift the shoulders to support arm movements can make it easier for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to do daily tasks, a new study reports. Using the lightweight device — now a fabric-based robot prototype — led to significant improvements in upper…

ICER releases analysis on cost of ALS therapies

Note: This story were updated Feb. 14, 2023, to correct that ICER analyses found both Radicava ORS and Relyvrio are not cost-effective for the treatment of ALS. The recently approved therapies Relyvrio (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol) and …

Scientists Grow Mature Nerve Cells From Stem Cells

Scientists have developed a new method that allows them to grow mature nerve cells from stem cells — a technique that could be applied to study diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “For the first time, we have been able to see adult-onset neurological protein aggregation in the stem…