ALS
Disease progression halted in rat model of Lou Gehrig’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is an incurable adult neurodegenerative disorder that progresses to paralysis and death. Genetic mutations are the cause of disease in 5% of patients with ALS. Of immense interest,…
Blue-green algae tested for treating ALS
Nutritional supplementation with Spirulina, a nutrient-rich, blue-green algae, appeared to provide neuroprotective support for dying motor neurons in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Universit…
Gene that causes some cases of familial ALS discovered
Using a new gene sequencing method, a team of researchers led by scientists from Johns Hopkins and the National Institutes of Health has discovered a gene that appears to cause some instances of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The f…
Reports claiming ALS caused by head trauma lacks scientific validation
A recent study (1) suggesting that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be attributed to “repetitive head trauma experienced in collision sports” lacks scientific epidemiological evidence to support this claim. In a review of the 12-patient study…
Mysterious cells may play role in ALS
By tracking the fate of a group of immature cells that persist in the adult brain and spinal cord, Johns Hopkins researchers discovered in mice that these cells undergo dramatic changes in ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
A study reported N…
Link between 2 forms of ALS suggests drug target
For the first time, researchers have discovered a disease mechanism that links hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to the more common “sporadic” form of ALS — and points to a possible therapeutic target.
The findings are reported online in a…