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Researchers from the U.S. found a way to allow small substances to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach areas of the brain that are normally inaccessible. This means that drugs that are developed for the treatment of neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could reach the brain and exert their activity.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened its long-term exhibition “Giving in America” on Nov. 29 to display the history of philanthropy’s role in shaping the United States. The collection includes one of the first buckets that tied the Ice Bucket Challenge to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis…

ALS League Belgium, a patient organization helping the families of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), raised €302,000 (euro) to stimulate and fund research into the life-threatening nerve muscle disease. Three projects have been selected for support by ALS League Belgium this year, and details will be updated…

Researchers have found neuronal progenitor cells (immature cells that can become neurons) in the meninges, a three-layer structure enclosing the brain that protects the nervous system, according to a new study. This finding may lead to the development of new stem cell therapies for brain damage and neurodegenerative disorders such as…

Recent research demonstrates that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a higher risk of developing depression, both immediately before and after being diagnosed with ALS. While the study, “Depression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” which appeared in the journal Neurology, could not state exactly how or…

More research studies with appropriate design and control are necessary to understand whether psychosocial interventions improve the quality of life and well-being of patients with neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), says a new study review. The review, “Do Psychosocial Interventions Improve Quality Of Life And Wellbeing…

Muscle fibers secrete and concentrate a protein called fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) at the neuromuscular junctions, the area of contact between motor neurons and muscle fibers, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has recognized Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, as a Centre of Excellence for accelerating research progress through collaboration to treat diseases like those of the central nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “With an unparalleled team of scientists and clinicians, Sunnybrook…

Researchers have developed a new approach that might help ALS patients maintain their ability to communicate as disease progresses, according to a study published in the Journal of Neural Engineering. In the research paper, “Self-Regulation Of Brain Rhythms In The Precuneus: A Novel BCI Paradigm For Patients…

Long-term use of Rilutek (riluzole) is associated with a better outcome in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, whereas short-term use seems to have little effect on survival according to a study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.