Margarida Maia, PhD,  science writer—

Margarida is a biochemist (University of Porto, Portugal) with a PhD in biomedical sciences (VIB and KULeuven, Belgium). Her main interest is science communication. She is also passionate about design and the dialogue between art and science.

Articles by Margarida Maia

Spinraza May Restore Development of Motor Neurons in SMA Children

Spinraza (nusinersen) may restore the normal development of motor neurons — the nerve cells responsible for making muscle cells work — in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), particularly those who start treatment early, a study found. Besides getting motor neurons back onto their developmental trajectory, Spinraza also may slow their…

COVID-19 Infection Turns Severe, Deadly in SMA Type 1 Child

A hospitalized 3-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 died after being infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 and having a widespread inflammatory response — unusual in infected children — known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a case report found. This girl’s case “highlights the importance of close surveillance,…