Steve Bryson, PhD,  science writer—

Steve holds a PhD in biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. As a medical scientist for 18 years, he worked in both academia and industry, where his research focused on the discovery of new vaccines and medicines to treat inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases. Steve is a published author in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals and a patented inventor.

Articles by Steve Bryson

Neighborhood disadvantage linked to shorter survival time in ALS

Neighborhood disadvantage, or living in regions with poorer socioeconomic conditions, is significantly associated with shorter survival time among people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new Michigan-based study. For those living in neighborhoods considered to be among the top 10% of the most disadvantaged, survival was reduced…

Study: Machine learning uncovers new genes associated with ALS

A machine learning analysis of gene activity in spinal cord samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) revealed new genes associated with the neurodegenerative disorder, a study reports. The newly identified genes included those involved in the function of energy-producing mitochondria, lipid (fat) and iron metabolism, and the…

Study links constipation with faster ALS progression, poorer survival

Constipation, a symptom experienced by about half of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, is associated with a significantly faster disease progression and poorer survival, according to a new study. Constipation was also linked to worse anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, data showed. “Objective assessment of these symptoms is critical…

NP001 seen to extend survival, preserve lung function with ALS

Neuvivo’s investigational therapy NP001 (sodium chlorite), designed to dampen inflammation and restore immune system balance, extended survival in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to an combined analysis of data, spanning up to 11 years, on patients who took part in either of two Phase 2…

Highly targeted approach supports ALS gene therapy development

Researchers have developed a type of gene therapy that can rescue the function of the TDP-43 protein in diseased nerve cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases while leaving healthy cells untouched. The approach uses problematic sequences called cryptic exons that are only present in cells…

Immune proteins activation at ALS diagnosis linked to progression

Researchers detected changes in the production of several immune signaling proteins, called cytokines, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord — of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at diagnosis. These changes also correlated with certain clinical characteristics, and how quickly the…