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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 27, 2020·6 min read

Gene that first slows, then accelerates, progression of ALS in mice identified

The 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.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·February 11, 2020·4 min read

Speeding up treatments for ALS

Study reports protein aggregates within cells are cleared out by the endocytosis process. The findings could help with the development of new treatments for ALS.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 12, 2020·4 min read

Neurons’ energy organelle protected from damage linked to ALS & Alzheimer’s

Researchers 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.

This shows a turtle's spinal cord neurons

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 19, 2019·4 min read

Neurological signals from the spinal cord surprise scientists

A 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.