FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 21, 2020ALS biomarker found in children’s teethResearchers have identified a new, early biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on the teeth of children. Patients who were diagnosed with ALS in adulthood showed signs of dysregulation uptake of a mixture of essential elements, including zinc, copper, lead, and tin, on their teeth. The study is the first to show clear signatures at birth and within the first decade of life for ALS. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 15, 2020Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomesStudy reveals a new gut-brain connection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The gut microbiome could influence the severity of the neurodegenerative disease. Altering the bacteria in the gut may prevent or improve symptoms of ALS. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 11, 2020Resilience to ALS due to synaptic safety mechanismStudy reveals a self-corrective mechanism within synapses that is activated by neurodegeneration and slows disease progression in animal models of ALS. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·April 20, 2020Researchers delay onset of ALSIncreasing the activity of interneurons in later 5 of the primary motor cortex in mouse models of ALS effectively slowed the onset of the disease. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·April 13, 2020Toxic cell atlas guides new therapies for neurodegenerationA new method called Tox-seq found only one sub-group of microglia caused oxidative stress. The gene expression signatures of this sub-group from a mouse model matched patterns observed in cells suspected of causing damage in progressive multiple sclerosis patients. The pattern of gene expression associated with oxidative stress in mouse cells included genes involved in coagulation. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·March 27, 2020Gene that first slows, then accelerates, progression of ALS in mice identifiedThe TBK1 gene regulates the disease progression of ALS in mouse models of the neurodegenerative disease. Loss of the TBK1 gene in motor neurons increases SOD1 aggregation and accelerates the onset of the disease. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 17, 2020Disease-causing repeats help human neurons functionStudy reports repeats in genes associated with Fragile X syndrome normally regulate how and when proteins are made in neurons. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·February 11, 2020Speeding up treatments for ALSStudy reports protein aggregates within cells are cleared out by the endocytosis process. The findings could help with the development of new treatments for ALS. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 29, 2020New injection technique may boost spinal cord injury repair effortsResearchers have developed a new method for delivering neural precursor cells into rat models of spinal cord injury. The method is safe, effective, and reduces the likelihood of further spinal trauma while delivering larger doses of reparative stem cells. The new approach could also be used for the treatment of ALS and multiple sclerosis. Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 12, 2020Neurons’ energy organelle protected from damage linked to ALS & Alzheimer’sResearchers have identified a set of drug-like compounds, including a common ingredient in throat lozenges, that can help protect mitochondria from the stresses associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 19, 2019Neurological signals from the spinal cord surprise scientistsA new study challenges existing theories about spinal cord neurons. New findings suggest neurological signals originate from a major, scattered network of cells that send signals to only a few other neurons. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 17, 2019Environmental toxin produced by algae may lead to ALSExposure to the environmental toxin BMAA may elevate the risk of ALS. BMAA is produced by cyanobacteria, a blue-green alga that commonly occurs in marine ecosystems and accumulates in shellfish, sharks, and other sea-life. Those most reliant on sea-foods for their food source may be most at risk. Read More
