Articles tagged with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A novel treatment approach for motor neuron disease (MND) has been shown to restore broken communication between neurons in lab models, restoring production of functional UNC13A protein and allowing neurons to communicate again. This finding has promising therapeutic implications for the treatment of MND, a devastating disease affectin...
Researchers have made significant progress towards a targeted treatment for inherited motor neurone disease with potential drug C9-PMO. The drug has shown promise in laboratory models, demonstrating safety and effectiveness, and is now undergoing formal preclinical studies.
A nationwide survey in Japan found that most people with ALS and their families have never heard of patient and public involvement, but over 70% want to take part once explained. A patient advocacy training program was also successful, with 500 people registering and high comprehension scores.
Researchers at Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic helped accelerate search for disease-causing genes by building new genetic families. They identified 793 related pairs, 30% previously unrecognised relationships, and 73 new DNA-based family trees.
Researchers discovered a signalling system regulated by metabolites that extends lifespan and delays age-related decline in animals. Muscle tissue produces the metabolite dihydrobiopterin (BH2), which is transported to other tissues to maintain protein homeostasis and tissue health.
The NFL has committed $500,000 to Champion Insights, a nationwide study investigating why elite athletes, military veterans, and first responders are at higher risk of developing ALS. The study aims to uncover genetic and biological factors that may lead to new treatments and strategies to prevent the disease.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a new defense mechanism in neurons to prevent TDP-43 protein aggregation, a major cause of ALS. By activating the immunoproteasome, neurons break down TDP-43, reducing aggregation and motor neuron damage.
Researchers investigated the association between Alzheimer-related changes and disease progression in ALS, finding that coexisting changes may affect prognosis. The study suggests that biomarkers like amyloid beta and NfL could improve diagnosis and prognosis, and may contribute to better patient stratification and more efficient clini...
Mayo Clinic researchers report encouraging early results from an experimental therapy targeting the genetic cause of a rare form of ALS. The single-patient study identified a mutation in CHCHD10, which appears to make the CHCHD10 protein harmful to nerve cells and is linked to abnormal changes in TDP-43.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A randomized clinical trial found that 200-mg/d DNL343 did not slow disease progression in ALS patients, suggesting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. The study highlights the importance of exploring new treatment options for ALS, a devastating neurological disease.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) allows people with vocal tract and bodily paralysis to convey both speech and upper-body gestures simultaneously. The BCI successfully translated the thoughts of patients into commands that dictated the expressions of a full-body virtual avatar.
A new brain atlas reveals that neurons build their identity in the first hours of life, rather than inheriting it from their parent cells. The atlas, which mapped nearly 250,000 fly brain cells, shows that neuronal identity is established through a flexible, modular system involving different DNA switches and regulatory proteins.
A. Campbell Sullivan, a neuropsychologist, discovered a gap between treatment and science of ALS and dementia in her own family. She notes that advances in genetics and biomarker discovery are transforming research and care in ALS and FTD.
Researchers identified a compound, PF-04457845, that slows ALS progression in mice, with potential as a therapeutic option. The compound targets N-acyl taurines, which correlate with ALS progression, and has been proven safe in humans.
Salk Institute researchers found microglia's novel way to contribute to ALS progression and death, using TAM receptors to find and kill motor neurons in spinal cords of mice with ALS. The study suggests a new target for therapy innovation, but notes the complexity of variables involved.
Exposure to pesticides increases the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by 60-70%. Men exposed to herbicides and insecticides are twice as likely to develop the condition as unexposed men.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a microRNA-based gene therapy that suppresses mutant SOD1 production, delaying disease onset by 60 days and extending lifespan by 100 days in mice models of ALS. The therapy, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, preserves motor neurons and maintains neuromuscular con...
A study found that ALS rates are higher among men who served in the US Air Force compared to Army veterans. Marine veterans had lower rates of ALS, while officers experienced more psychosocial stress, which may contribute to the increased risk.
Researchers have identified a panel of key proteins in blood that can predict the emergence of ALS symptoms months to years before they arise. This discovery could enable early intervention with preventative therapies.
Research on Southwest Florida cyanobacterial blooms shows that airborne cyanobacterial toxins contain the neurotoxin 2,4-DAB, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The study suggests chronic low-level exposure through breathing may be a significant risk factor for these diseases.
A University of Houston chemist is uncovering how copper imbalances in neurons contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. The new imaging technique provides a closer look at individual protein behaviors inside living cells, giving researchers insight into the cellular pathways that fail.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found two air pollutants associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may interact with genetic susceptibility, leading to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Researchers at TUM developed a soft, pneumatic glove that uses electrical signals to predict when a person intends to grasp an object. The glove enables people with severe impairments to regain the ability to hold objects, showing promising results for ALS and stroke survivors.
Researchers at University of Arizona have found a promising new approach to slow fatal nerve disease ALS by blocking a small part of a key protein. The experimental drug XL20 protects nerve cells and reduces muscle weakness in mice and human nerve cells, representing a potential breakthrough.
A new study predicts that genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will lead to a significant increase in clinic visits to specialized ALS centers over the next decade. The study estimates that 2,704 people in the US will have a gene-related form of ALS and 10,944 gene carriers by 2026.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health have implanted the first wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore communication in a patient with motor neuron disease. The study, called Connect-One Early Feasibility Study, aims to assess the device's long-term safety and effectiveness in synthesizing text and speech.
The University of Michigan has successfully implanted the first-in-human Paradromics wireless brain-computer interface, designed to restore communication for patients with difficulty speaking. The clinical trial will focus on the device's long-term safety and assess its ability to restore communication through synthesized text and speech.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed at the University of California - Davis Health, allowing a person with severe paralysis caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate, work, and interact with the digital world without assistance. The BCI system has been tested in a 47-year-old man with ALS, who ...
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI tool, DiSPAH, to estimate ALS disease progression speed and identify muscle decline patterns. The study found six distinct patterns of disease progression among patients, with some experiencing rapid deterioration while others declined slowly.
A study analyzing French and Swedish national health databases reveals a rise in Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases' prevalence worldwide. Improved life expectancy and therapies contribute to the increase in multiple sclerosis cases, while population aging is the primary driver of ALS rising incidence.
Researchers discovered a key issue in the production of purines, molecules required for DNA repair, and its link to ALS. The mechanism may be reversible, offering new hope for therapeutic development.
A study published in Acta Neuropathologica found that APOE ε4 is associated with widespread TDP-43 pathological subtype in sporadic ALS. This discovery suggests a new perspective on why ALS pathology spreads differently among patients.
A new study reveals that ALS unfolds through a domino-like sequence of events starting with an early breakdown in motor neurons, followed by a damaging inflammatory response. The findings suggest that targeting these immune signatures could slow down disease progression.
Researchers uncover role of glia in ALS pathogenesis, finding altered functioning of TDP-43 protein and MYC factor responsible for abnormality. The study provides new anchors to understand clinical heterogeneity of ALS and suggests potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.
A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS, revealing that chaperone-mediated autophagy is significantly reduced in patients. This finding suggests that this cellular system may be a potential therapeutic target to slow disease progression.
The Barrow Neuro Analytics Center has nearly doubled its dedicated research space to 18,000 square feet, supporting growing neurological research programs. Researchers at the center are globally renowned for their work on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and other neurological disorders using data-focused methods.
Researchers developed an AI model that can detect several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, from a single blood sample. The model uses protein measurements from over 17,000 patients and outperforms previous models.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
A new study describes an implantable brain-computer interface (iBCI) typing neuroprosthesis that can restore communication with speed and accuracy for people with paralysis. Two clinical trial participants, one with ALS and the other with a spinal cord injury, used the device to communicate rapidly and accurately, with a word error rat...
PrimeC, a combination of celecoxib and ciprofloxacin, targets neuroinflammation, iron accumulation, and abnormal microRNA activity in ALS. The PARADIGM study shows improved functional outcomes and reduced ALS-related complications with PrimeC treatment.
Researchers at DZNE identified five particularly affected cell types in the motor cortex, which are equally susceptible to ALS and FTD. The study used molecular fingerprinting to analyze human tissue samples and found that excitatory cells are primarily affected by the disease.
Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...
Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that being an early bird and engaging in more physical activity are linked to a reduced risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After adjusting for various factors, researchers discovered that individuals who followed a sleep schedule that matched daylight hours and had ...
A research team has developed a way to produce corticospinal-like neurons that centrally degenerate in motor neuron disease and are damaged in spinal cord injury. The study uses a multi-component gene-expression system called NVOF to precisely fine tune regulatory signals, resulting in mature neurons with distinct characteristics.
A Texas A&M University study has identified a mouse strain that responds to a viral infection in a way similar to humans with ALS. The researchers found that the initial viral infection triggers lasting damage to the spinal cord and its nerves and muscles, even after the virus is cleared.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Neurology found that prolonged air pollution exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing motor neuron disease, including ALS. Long-term exposure to even low levels of air pollutants was linked to faster disease progression and increased mortality rates.
Tofersen, a new drug approved by the FDA, has been shown to delay disease progression and stabilize symptoms in people with a genetic form of ALS. Long-term use of tofersen slows ALS disease progression and death in about one-quarter of participants, leading to stabilization or improvement in strength and mobility.
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
A new rapid blood test for ALS has been developed by Brain Chemistry Labs, providing 97% accuracy in diagnosing the disease from a single blood draw. The test is based on microRNA analysis and can also rule out patients without ALS, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition.
Researchers will examine protein stability mechanisms in Thermus thermophilus to advance treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and cancer. The team will explore the structure of Rieske proteins and their role in energy production to understand how to restore stability.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have developed machine learning models that can analyze blood samples for biomarkers to detect ALS earlier and predict disease severity. The models show promising results, with predictions accurate up to 91% in some cases, and could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment options.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health brings together expertise in dozens of disorders, emphasizing education, family support and community connection. The center is part of ongoing national research initiatives, including a study on ALS and HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.
A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.
University of Missouri researchers are combining in-home sensor technology with artificial intelligence to monitor daily changes in ALS patients' health. The system uses machine learning to estimate a patient's score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, predicting potential problems before they occur.
The study examines the global epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases (MNDs), revealing a rising global burden with significant variations across regions. Regional factors contribute to these diseases, emphasizing the need for optimized medical resources and further research.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a molecular mechanism that plays a key role in ALS and were able to neutralize it through gene therapy. The study found that reducing microRNA-126 levels leads to the formation of toxic aggregates of the TDP-43 protein, causing neuron damage.
The comprehensive dataset from Answer ALS is now harmonized with ALS TDI's ARC study data, forming the world's largest open ALS research resource. Researchers can analyze over 150 terabytes of harmonized data to accelerate discoveries and uncover new disease patterns.
A new Northwestern University study reveals how a key disease protein, TDP-43, drives overactive nerve cells in ALS and FTD. The findings highlight a promising new drug that can fix this error and restore balance to neurons.