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By inserting gene coding for light-sensitive proteins into other cells, researchers have developed a tool for studying the way liquid-like protein structures assemble inside cells. The tool will not only increase understanding of how cells work while healthy, but also contribute to research on diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis…

The pharmaceutical companies Evotec and Celgene will collaborate on a drug discovery and development program to identify and develop novel disease-modifying therapies for several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The partnership will allow the screening of drug compounds developed by Celgene using Evotec’s platform of induced pluripotent…

Increased excitatory toxic signaling in neurons in the part of the brain controlling movement triggers the breakdown of cells long before any symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are noticed — at least in mice with ALS. The study, “Cortical synaptic and dendritic spine abnormalities in a presymptomatic TDP-43…

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a different functional brain network than healthy individuals, and that difference appears to be strongly associated with disability, according to new research. This finding supports previous research suggesting that monitoring a patient’s brain for changes in its neuronal network can aid in evaluating ALS disability and likely disease progression. The study,…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will honor Pete Frates, a former university baseball player who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),  with its 2017 Inspiration Award for his perseverance, dedication and determination, and for being a role model and source of hope to others. The NCAA Honors Celebration will take place…

The molecular steps taken to turn immature stem cells into working motor neurons were seen in new research, potentially furthering cell therapies to treat neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by teaching scientists more about this complex process. The study, “A Multi-Step Transcriptional And Chromatin State Cascade Underlies Motor Neuron Programming From Embryonic Stem Cells,” was published…

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics recently presented data from its Phase 2 clinical trial, showing that the company’s NurOwn stem cells technology may halt disease progression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The data were presented at the 27th International Symposium on ALS/MND in Dublin, Ireland. The multi-center, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled,…

A single-case study of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suggests that long-term invasive motor cortex stimulation via implants of electrodes may slow progression of the disease. The study, “Reduction of disease progression in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after several years of epidural motor cortex stimulation” was published…

New types of genetically engineered mice that allow scientists to study brain cells called astrocytes are expected to advance the understanding of how the cells contribute to diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Inserting a gene sequence in a specific position makes it possible for researchers to turn a…

Cytokinetics recently presented patient baseline characteristics from its VITALITY-ALS clinical trial investigating Tirasemtiv for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data collected from an international physician survey on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of ALS also was presented. Both presentations were made at the…