Research

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Proteins linked - discovery brings new hope to ALS research

An article published in the September 29th journal titled Science confirms a long suspected link between Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The international team led by the Penn scientist is the first to identify the key protein for ALS and the most common type seen in FTD.

Stemcell therapy restores movement in paralyzed mice

Experts are describing this latest research discovery as a momentous advance. Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to form new, functional nerve cell connections in formerly paralyzed mice. The outcome was that the paralyzed mice regained restored limb movement.

Japanese researchers succeed in converting ES cells into neural tissue

Researchers at Japan's governmental research body Riken have succeeded in selectively converting ES cells into neural tissue by using human amniotic membrane.

The method to develop neural tissues without using cells taken from other animals, such as mice or cows, will enhance the safety of the derived tissues, taking the realization of regenerative medicine a step closer to reality.

Project ALS and Columbia University Start ALS Research Lab

The Columbia-based lab will seek to develop human cell based ALS assays and use stemcell derived motor neurons to screen drug candidates for ALS and spinal muscular atrophy in the hopes of find treatments for those suffering from motoron neuron diseases such as ALS.

$15 Million Dollar Grant for ALS Research

Claire Tow and family have donated $15 million to match a grant to Columbia University Medical School to study motor neurons and motor neuron disease - the reseearch is intended to solve the mystery of ALS.

International Gene Search for Typical ALS

Our friends at the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins will undertake a gene search for sporadic ALS. Sporadic, or Typical ALS, accounts for approximately 90% of individuals living with ALS, whereas familial ALS, the form of ALS most researched, affects 10% of people with ALS.

Polyunsaturated Fat and Vitamin E May Help Reduce Risk of Developing ALS

A diet high in polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E may reduce the risk of developing amyotrohpic lateral sclerosis by fifty percent. Polyunsaturated fats including Omega 3, found in some vegetable oils, and omega 6, found in fish and leafy green vegetables.

The study included only 132 patients - further research can be expected.

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