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.

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020

Too Little Known About Care Needs of Adults with SMA, Study Says

News

A better understanding of the needs of adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), best ensuring for their mental and social — as well as physical — well-being, is necessary to guide ... Read more

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020

Mom Writes of Family and Doctor ‘Partnership’ That Led to Baby’s Spinraza Treatment

News

A family’s journey through the diagnosis and treatment of their baby girl, born with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), was the focus of a paper written by her ... Read more

April 22, 2020May 15, 2020

Taking Part in Adapted Sports Improves Mental Health, Study Finds

News

Among people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other neuromuscular disorders, participation in adapted sports is associated with greater self-esteem, lesser depression, and a better quality of life, a ... Read more

April 6, 2020April 6, 2020

Lack of Muscle Cell Signaling Seen to Kill Motor Neurons in SMA-LED2

News

Problems with the secretion of survival signals from muscle cells seems to be the dominant driver of motor neuron loss in spinal muscular atrophy lower extremity predominant 2 (SMA-LED2), ... Read more

April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

MDA Hosting Online Q&A on COVID-19 Today

News

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is hosting an online Q&A session today to discuss the best ways that people with neuromuscular diseases might protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Read more

March 18, 2020May 15, 2020

Study Addresses Dilemmas Regarding Newborn Screening and SMA Treatment

News

As newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) becomes more common, ethical dilemmas will arise about the best treatment strategy for individuals with four copies of the SMN2 gene, ... Read more

March 13, 2020March 13, 2020

Palliative Care has Improved for Babies With SMA Type 1, French Study Suggests

News

Palliative care for babies with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 has improved in recent decades, with greater involvement of dedicated pediatric medical teams, a new French study suggests. ... Read more

March 6, 2020March 6, 2020

Study Recommends Lower Radiation Dose for Spinraza Scans

News

Preforming an imaging scan that uses less radiation can be used to plan the administration of Spinraza (nusinersen) in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), without sacrificing confidence in ... Read more

February 19, 2020February 20, 2020

Risdiplam Data to New Way of Classifying ‘Types’ Among SMA Europe 2020 Highlights, Advocate Says

News

Results from a clinical trial of risdiplam in a broad range of people with spinal muscular atrophy were a highlight of SMA Europe’s 2020 conference, a board member of ... Read more

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019

Cytokinetics and Cure SMA Renew Partnership

News

The biopharmaceutical company Cytokinetics and the nonprofit organization Cure SMA have announced a renewal of their partnership. The partnership aims to increase education and awareness for spinal muscular atrophy ... Read more

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