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Can coffee reduce your risk of MS?

A new study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers analyzed data from two studies involving over 3,700 people with MS and found that those who consumed high amounts of coffee had a lower risk of developing the disease. The study supports the idea that caffeine may have prote...

The body's emotions

A new study demonstrates that people with multiple sclerosis often have trouble recognizing emotions conveyed by facial expressions, and now shows similar difficulties with emotions expressed through body posture. The research suggests that this difficulty is unrelated to identifying one's own emotions, a disorder known as alexithymia.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateNov 10, 2014

YEDA-XL-Protein GmbH agreement

The Weizmann Institute of Science has developed a novel, highly active interferon variant called YNSalpha8. PASylation technology extended its half-life in the body, resulting in improved protection from disease progression in a mouse model of human multiple sclerosis.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2014

Sleep disorders widely undiagnosed in individuals with multiple sclerosis

A large-scale study found that more than 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis screened positive for one or more sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and managing these conditions. The study's findings suggest that sleep problems may be a hidden epidemic in the MS population, separate from MS fatigue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateSep 12, 2014

Kessler Foundation multiple sclerosis researchers find role for working memory in cognitive reserve

Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that working memory capacity explains the relationship between intellectual enrichment and long-term memory in individuals with MS. This suggests that interventions targeting working memory may help build cognitive reserve to protect against decline in long-term memory.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateSep 9, 2014

Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Lund University discovered inflammation and changes in the intestinal barrier function early in MS, indicating a potential link to disease progression. The study suggests that damage to the intestinal barrier may prevent the body from ending an autoimmune reaction, leading to chronic diseases like MS.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014

High dietary salt may worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms

A study of 70 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis found that high dietary salt intake was associated with more episodes of worsening symptoms and a higher likelihood of radiological signs of disease progression. Vitamin D levels also played a role, with low levels linked to the disease.

Is the gut microbiome a potential cause and therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis?

Researchers explore the link between gut microbiome and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune cell activity and cytokine production, which may impact susceptibility to and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 7, 2014

NYSCF scientists one step closer to cell therapy for multiple sclerosis patients

Researchers at The New York Stem Cell Foundation have developed a new protocol to induce pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells implicated in multiple sclerosis. This accelerated approach cuts production time almost in half, enabling researchers to study disease progression and develop potential treatments.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 24, 2014

'Master switch' for myelination in human brain stem cells is identified

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified SOX10 as a key transcription factor that initiates myelination in human brain cells. This discovery brings researchers closer to developing a viral or pharmaceutical approach to inducing SOX10 in MS patients, which could lead to a more effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014