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.

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020

Evidence of Benefit Lacking With Fibromyalgia Treatments, Analysis Finds

News

Most therapies for fibromyalgia do not substantially ease pain or improve quality of life, an analysis indicates. Though the study found evidence supporting the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ... Read more

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

Virtual Reality Therapeutic EaseVRx Named Breakthrough Device by FDA

News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough device designation to AppliedVR‘s EaseVRx, a virtual reality therapeutic, recognizing its potential for helping to manage both therapy-resistant fibromyalgia ... Read more

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020

Mistreated Children More Apt to Develop Fibromyalgia Later in Life, Study Finds

News

Mistreated children are more likely to develop fibromyalgia and other central sensitivity syndromes (CSSs) later in life, a study has found. The study, “The association between exposure to childhood ... Read more

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020

Low-intensity Exercise Seen to Help Women With Fibromyalgia Mentally, Physically

News

Low-intensity exercise eases multiple psychological symptoms — including pain catastrophizing, stress, anxiety, and depression — and improves life quality for women with fibromyalgia, results of an eight-week clinical trial ... Read more

July 14, 2020July 14, 2020

Placebo Effect Could Ease Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients, Study Shows

News

Patients with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia experience similar pain relief with a placebo as people without chronic pain, a new study indicates. Harnessing the so-called placebo effect, researchers ... Read more

June 16, 2020June 16, 2020

Fibromyalgia Patients Respond Abnormally to Gentle Touch, Study Says

News

People with fibromyalgia are less responsive to gentle touches usually considered pleasant, which is driven by differences in how their brains process and understand touch, a recent study suggests. ... Read more

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020

Acupuncture Helps Ease Pain, Other Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Study Finds

News

Acupuncture helps to ease the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, even in people who failed to respond to pharmacological treatment, a study suggests. The study, “Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia: An Open-Label ... Read more

February 7, 2020February 7, 2020

Low Vitamin D Levels May Be Linked to Fibromyalgia Severity

News

Low vitamin D levels are connected to increased symptom severity, anxiety, and depression in people with fibromyalgia (FM), a recent study suggests. The study, “Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity and Psychosocial ... Read more

January 20, 2020January 20, 2020

Exergames May Help Improve Fitness in People With Fibromyalgia, Study Suggests

News

Fibromyalgia patients may improve their cardio fitness and reap strength benefits from video game-based workout regimens, or so-called exergames, a study suggests. However, maintaining these regimens and/or making lifestyle ... Read more

December 20, 2019December 20, 2019

History of Domestic Violence May Put Women at Risk for Developing Fibromyalgia, Study Says

News

Women with a history of intimate partner violence are more likely to develop fibromyalgia, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to a recent study. These findings highlight ... Read more