José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Severe DNA damage and other disease-associated hallmarks are absent in a mouse model of familial amyothrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), a new study shows. The study, “DNA strand breaks and TDP-43 mislocation are absent in the murine hSOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in vivo and in vitro,” appeared in the journal…

Dutch researchers have identified new genes and biological mechanisms possibly involved in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with and without amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study, “Susceptible genes and disease mechanisms identified in frontotemporal dementia and frontotemporal dementia with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by DNA-methylation and GWAS,” appeared in the…

Levels of pro-inflammatory molecules are increased in the blood of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study shows. This suggests that such molecules could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for ALS patients. The study, “Increased peripheral blood inflammatory…

Inhibition of a key protein called dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK), a neuronal injury sensor, is protective in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease and shows potential for future therapeutic strategies, according to researchers. The study, “Loss of dual leucine zipper kinase signaling…

An artificial-intelligence-proposed ALS therapy prevented the death of movement-control neurons in a lab and delayed the onset of the disease in an animal model, according to British scientists. The University of Sheffield team said the AI company BenevolentAI suggested the therapy, which has yet to have a name. The drug candidate promotes…

Israel’s BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics has announced positive top-line Phase 2 data on NurOwn, a customized stem-cell therapy technology to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). BrainStorm has been developing and commercializing NurOwn in partnership with Ramot, the business engagement unit of Tel Aviv University. NurOwn enables the production of growth factors that…

Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) could trigger amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a Dutch study shows. The study, “Occupational exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a prospective cohort,” appeared in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Given that only 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases are hereditary, scientists…