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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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·September 17, 2019·4 min read

Environmental toxin produced by algae may lead to ALS

Exposure 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.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 4, 2019·4 min read

New insight into motor neuron death mechanisms could be a step toward ALS treatment

When a motor neuron-specific pool of heat shock protein 90 (Hps90) was inhibited, motor neuron apoptosis was triggered.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 22, 2019·5 min read

Gut microbes may affect the course of ALS

Researchers have isolated a molecule that may be under-produced in the gut of those with ALS. Using mouse models of the disease, researchers identified 11 microbial strains that became altered as the disease progressed, or before the development of symptoms.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 11, 2019·4 min read

Are the ‘viral’ agents of MS, ALS and schizophrenia buried in our genome?

Retroviruses may be a missing causal link in diseases like ALS, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.

This shows two head outlines with drawings of brains in them

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 6, 2019·4 min read

To cure brain diseases, neuroscientists must collaborate: That’s why I’m giving my data away

Open sharing of scientific data and standard methods will allow researchers to collaborate on projects and accelerate understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 2, 2019·4 min read

Copper compound shows further potential as therapy for slowing ALS

Treatment with copper-ATSM helped mouse models retain behavioral performance and prevented extensive motor neuron degeneration and microglial activation associated with ALS.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 27, 2019·4 min read

Weight gain and high BMI linked to lower risk of ALS

While being overweight may be bad for your general health, researchers discovered an association with higher body mass index (BMI) and a reduced risk of developing ALS. Those with a BMI considered to be in the obese range had a 31% reduced risk of developing ALS, while those considered overweight had an 18% lower risk.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2019·4 min read

ALS patients may benefit from more glucose

Using fruit fly models of ALS, researchers discover neurons given glucose transform the power source into energy, enabling them to survive longer and function better.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 8, 2019·2 min read

Five Australian patients to trial new brain reading device to help speech and movement

A minimally invasive brain implant is to be tested on humans for the first time. The device, named Stentrode, will be placed in blood vessels in the motor cortex, and researchers believe it will help improve movement and speech for those with a range of neurological disorders.

This shows tyrobp expression in cells from the spinal cord in ALS

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 7, 2019·5 min read

How ALS progresses on genetic and cellular level revealed by high-res spinal cord study

Changes in gene expression help researchers identify ALS associated pathways and establish the key drivers of motor neuron degeneration in the disease.