Lila Levinson, PhD,  Science Writer—

Lila is a Science Writer at BioNews. She completed her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Washington, where she studied how the natural flexibility of the human brain can be used to promote recovery after injury. Previously, she has written about science for The Dallas Morning News and the University of Washington Computational Neuroscience Center. She enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time with her cat, Fibonacci.

Articles by Lila Levinson, PhD

High-efficacy RRMS therapies may help maintain capacity to work

The use of high-efficacy disease modifying therapies (DMTs) among relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients may aid their capacity to work on the economy — and put them at a lower risk of needing protected employment programs — than those on moderate-efficacy DMTs, according to a new study from Denmark.

United Healthcare approves reimbursement for MS PoNS device

United Healthcare will reimburse the cost of the PoNS device, which uses electrical stimulation to improve walking, for its insured members with multiple sclerosis (MS). The reimbursement covers $18,100 for the device and its controller, including patient copayment. This represents the device’s approximate list price adjusted for…

Worsening disability tied to loss of bone mineral density in MS

Worsening disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a significantly greater likelihood of losing bone mineral density, which can lead to fractures, a study suggested. “This study provides first evidence for the association of disability worsening and bone density reduction in [people with MS] over a…

Wim Hof method shows significant benefits for MS patients: Study

A 12-week program based on the Wim Hof method (WHM) — which combines cold exposure, breathing exercises, and mindfulness — was found to significantly ease cognitive fatigue, anxiety, and depression, as well as certain cognitive difficulties, in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a pilot clinical study. According to…

Activities, events planned for MS Awareness Month in Canada

May marks Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, and people across the country can take part in advocacy and fundraising activities to support the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. MS Canada‘s nationwide campaign urges people to participate in MS walks, parlay a hobby or passion into a fundraiser, share…

Octave’s MS disease activity test now available across US

Octave Bioscience’s Multiple Sclerosis Disease Activity (MSDA) test, which uses data from blood biomarkers to assess multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity, is now available across all 50 U.S. states to help guide clinicians’ decisions about care. Octave said the test received certification from the New York State Clinical…

Nondrug therapy costs high for MS patients in Austria, study finds

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Austria spend an average of €136 (about $149) per month on nondrug therapies such as dietary supplements and therapeutic interventions like physiotherapy, a study found. These complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are generally not fully covered by Austria’s public healthcare system, leaving many…

Fibroblast therapy helps restore myelin in 2 mouse models of MS

Fibrobiologics’ investigational cell therapy CYMS101 can significantly increase myelin production and promote myelin repair in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), the company has announced. The experimental therapy, which is made of connective tissue cells called fibroblasts, demonstrated benefits within seven weeks after both single and multiple infusions…