Scientists Learn How Abnormal DNA Repetitions in a Gene Cause Neuron Death In ALS

Scientists have known for some time that abnormal DNA repetitions in the C9orf72 gene contribute to neuron death in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Now they have learned how it happens: The anomalies leave DNA susceptible to damage, prompting a cell repair mechanism to become over-active. That hyperactivity cause neuron deaths.

In this video from LA Fitness, 51-year-old surfing fanatic Chris Mehess shares his ALS story. Chris first experienced problems in April 2015 when he began having difficulties staying upright on his surfboard and regularly suffered from cramping in his ankles and calves. A few months later, he…

Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics has received a $16 million grant from a state agency known as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop a Phase 3 clinical trial of its ALS stem-cell therapy NurOwn. NurOwn is based on mesenchymal stem cells, which can transform themselves into various types of cells. Brainstorm…

This video from WCVB Channel 5 Boston is all about Rick Marks from Winchester, Massachusetts. Following an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis last October at the age of 55, Marks decided to raise awareness of the disease by hiking from Massachusetts to Maine. MORE: TV presenter talks about…

Researchers have discovered a natural mechanism that can help prevent the formation of harmful protein clumps that contribute to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to results of a new study. They also gained new insights into the formation of the protein clumps known as TDP-43 protein aggregates that…

RNA molecules that are not supposed to leave the cell nucleus might be responsible for driving neuronal cell death in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers from England’s University of Sheffield report in a study that suggests a way to prevent that from happening. The research team discovered just how…

Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living in a digital age means that there are numerous mobile apps that can help you manage your chronic…

This video from Alisa Apreleva is all about an awareness campaign in Moscow, Russia, that’s helping to highlight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MORE: What research is being done on ALS? The video features Russian recording artists and patients in various stages of the disease singing a specially written and composed…

Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco will be among the sites where ALS patients will take in a Phase 3 clinical trial of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn. The trial will begin after the company receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and…

Last week, I had the opportunity to listen to an exciting and encouraging webinar on “Exercise and ALS: A Discussion of Research and Practical Recommendations.” Of course, I realize that exciting and encouraging don’t always show up in the same sentence with exercise and…