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

Expressive Language Sampling May Aid Research in Fragile X

A procedure for measuring language skills, called expressive language sampling (ELS), could be used to assess treatment outcomes in people with fragile X syndrome and other conditions characterized by intellectual disability, a new study suggests. The study, “Expressive language sampling as a source of outcome measures for…

New Way of Testing for Fragile X May Be Faster and Cheaper

Using a genetic technique called triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) could enable practical and inexpensive diagnosis of fragile X syndrome, a study suggests. The study, “Repeat expansion and methylation-sensitive triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction for fragile X mental retardation 1 gene screening in institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals,”…

Sleep May Play Role in Developing Language Skills in Children With Fragile X, Other Disorders, Study Suggests

Sleep abnormalities are associated with limitations in vocabulary in very young children with developmental conditions including fragile X syndrome, a study reports. Although preliminary, the results suggest that strategies aimed at improving sleep in young children with developmental disorders might also help improve language skills. The study, “…