Levels of the protein tau found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the transparent liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — can help in diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study reported. Tau levels in ALS patients also correlated with a faster progression rate and poorer survival, suggesting this…

An investigational RNA molecule called an RNA aptamer halted the death of motor neurons and helped preserve motor function in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further research is ongoing to confirm the findings in additional ALS models before testing it in humans, “but I’m optimistic that this…