Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Abnormalities in the activity of the protein TDP-43, whose gene is often mutated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can increase DNA damage in cells, a study shows. These findings shed light on the molecular underpinnings of ALS, and may open new avenues for treatment, its researchers said. The study,…

People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who use melatonin have better survival outcomes and experience slower disease progression, a new analysis indicates. The findings suggest that melatonin may be beneficial for people with ALS. However, because the analysis was not designed to find cause-and-effect relationships, further studies are needed,…

Imaging data of brain inflammation in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that is obtained using different tracers and imaging equipment can be combined using a technique called the “pseudo reference region approach.” This finding may make it easier to conduct multi-center studies about ALS, according to a recent…

A system using human cells to model how the brain controls muscle movement has been developed for the first time, and scientists expect it to aid in understanding neurological disorders that affect movement, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study describing their model system, “Generation of Functional…

Target ALS, a nonprofit working to advance research, has awarded a second round of grants supporting four projects that aim to discover and develop biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The grants are part of The Target ALS Diagnosis Initiative, a $15 million comprehensive effort to discover…

Researchers at QurAlis have discovered a molecule with the potential to act as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in addition to a new therapeutic target for the disease. The findings from both projects were presented at the 31st International Symposium on ALS/MND,…

The anticonvulsant ezogabine can significantly reduce abnormal motor neuron excitability in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a clinical trial has found. The findings support further investigation of ezogabine, and into the possible utility of neuron excitability as a measurement of disease in ALS, researchers…

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that may make it easier for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to access disability benefits. The proposed legislation, the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019, still must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. If enacted, the legislation…

A lightweight, wearable sensor is being developed that can detect minute facial movements and translate them into messages, potentially helping people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) communicate more easily. Once produced in mass, each device is also expected to cost about $10. The sensor is described in the study…

Transplanting a combination of two types of modified bone marrow cells eased motor deficits and prolonged survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers reported. Their study, “Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells with growth factor-expressing mesenchymal stem cells for ALS…