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

New dopamine sensor may help diagnose, treat AADC deficiency

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect dopamine, which may be a useful tool for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases such as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The sensor was described in the study, “Electrochemical Dopamine Sensing Using Mn-Doped CeO2 Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode…

AADC deficiency is most common neurotransmitter disorder in study

A new study reports that aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency was the most common neurotransmitter disorder seen at a clinic in India over the last decade. The study, “Treatable and preventable causes of inborn errors of metabolism: Cohort of neurotransmitter disorders in children from India,” was published…

Girl with AADC deficiency thriving after Kebilidi treatment

Doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital say the gene therapy Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq) can be life-changing for people with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, as was the case for a girl treated there. When the girl went in for gene therapy treatment as a baby in 2023, she…

AI chatbot aims to improve diagnosis for rare disorders

Researchers at Oregon State University are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to help doctors diagnose rare disorders like aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. “In the long term, I’m convinced that AI will have a profound impact on health care,” Stephen Ramsey, PhD, associate professor of…

NORD scientific symposium aims to advance rare disease research

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) will host its first rare disease scientific symposium, in hopes of advancing rare disease research. The NORD Rare Disease Scientific Symposium will be held June 2-3 in Washington. Online registration is available. The symposium “offers a rare opportunity to bring together…