A consortium of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) nonprofits and industry stakeholders has launched Project Mosaic, an initiative that aims to advance next-generation, patient-derived cell models that more accurately represent ALS’ complex and diverse nature. By moving these ALS models from academic labs to industry, Project Mosaic aims to…
Among the many challenges I experienced during my early months with ALS was the eerie prophecy of a life expectancy of two to five years following diagnosis. Besides putting the brakes on all of my future hopes and dreams, it made my brain feel worthless. I’d ask myself,…
Two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) centers are backing an initiative aimed at accelerating and improving ALS research. The Acceleration Centers of Enrollment (ACE) initiative, led by the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, will…
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is accepting applications for its Advocacy Collaboration Grant program, which supports projects from organizations working to improve the lives of people with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Applications for this year’s program are open until Oct. 18, and…
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) are teaming up once again, launching more than 420 “Fill the Boot” events this year to raise funds for research and care for people with neuromuscular diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The fundraising initiative will…
Last week on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” correspondent Ashley Westerman talked about Ukrainian women getting manicures. “It’s just part of looking as good as you can. It’s a matter of hygiene for some but mostly a way of feeling normal in wartime.” The piece resonated with me because I’ve…
A gene therapy aimed at stabilizing connections between motor nerve cells and interneurons — a type of cell that regulates motor nerve cell activity — eased motor dysfunction and promoted motor nerve cell survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study by European…
Were you able to watch the recent Paris Olympics? I did, and I’ll admit I tuned in nearly every day. But I wasn’t always such a die-hard fan. Oh, I used to look forward to watching them — until I was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. Abruptly, I felt…
People with higher levels of certain metals in their blood and urine are more likely to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a U.S. study reports. Findings also suggest that, among ALS patients, higher metal levels linked with significantly poorer long-term survival. “By measuring [blood] and urine metal levels, we…
A brain-computer interface allowed Casey Harrell, a 45-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) whose disease had made it nearly impossible to speak, to communicate through a computer that used his own voice. Harrell’s experience in the ongoing pilot BrainGate2 clinical trial (NCT00912041) was described in the study,…
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