Joana Carvalho, PhD, managing science editor —

Joana holds a bachelor’s in biology, a Master of Science in evolutionary and developmental biology, and a PhD in biomedical sciences from Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal. Her work has been focused on the impact of non-canonical Wnt signaling in the collective behavior of endothelial cells — those that make up the lining of blood vessels — found in the umbilical cord of newborns. In addition to several research fellowships, she was awarded two Erasmus scholarships to conduct part of her studies in France.

Articles by Joana Carvalho

Adults With PWS Have Unique Gut Bacteria

Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have a unique gut bacteria composition, characterized by low levels of probiotic species and a high number of other microbes whose potential health and metabolic implications are still unknown, a study has found. The findings indicate that people with PWS may benefit from probiotic…

Growth Hormone Therapy Appears Safe and Helpful for PWS Adults

Growth hormone therapy, a common treatment for children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS),  is also safe and effective at increasing lean muscle mass and lowering body fat in adults with this disease, a review study reports. More work is needed, however, to confirm the therapy’s effects on body composition, as well…

Higher Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder Found in PWS Children

More than 70% of children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have a high risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study in Chinese patients. The findings also indicated that individuals who were shorter, had excess weight, and experienced obstructive sleep apnea — a condition in…

Dietary Planning Helps Maintain Normal Fat Tissue Levels in PWS Children

Regular adherence to a careful dietary plan can help children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) maintain a normal amount of visceral adipose tissue, the fatty tissue around abdominal organs, a study reported. The study, “Visceral adipose tissue resides within the reference range in children with Prader-Willi syndrome receiving nutritional intervention…

PWS Should Be Considered in Differential Diagnosis of Infants in China with Limited Womb Mobility, Low Birth Weight, Study Says

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants with limited womb mobility, polyhydramnios — excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid — low birth weight and muscle tone, feeding difficulties, and also among those born by caesarean section, a study says. Considering PWS…