What
is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's
disease, is a slowly progressive degeneration of nerve cells of the spinal cord,
brain and brain stem, and the bottom portion of the brain near the spinal cord. This degeneration affects only nerve cells
that control muscle movements (motor neurons), resulting in the gradual loss of a person's ability to control his or her
muscles. This disease does not affect mental abilities or nerves that control the senses.
Although the cause of ALS remains unknown, current theories suggest that certain chemicals, including one that transmits signals between
nerve cells, may play some role in the death of motor nerve cells. For information on causes, diagnosis, and resources click here.
|
Research News
Featuring Harvard Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals
Growth Factor Stimulates Rapid Extension of Motor Neurons Study
identifies factors controlling cells damaged
in ALS.
Harvard Medical School and Project ALS Join Forces to Target
ALS Research New
collaboration to speed progress.
Combination Therapy Shows Promise May
delay progress of Lou Gehrig's dsease.
How Minocycline Delays Progress of ALS Researchers
detail how antibiotic delays the progression of cell death.
>More ALS/Harvard Research News
|
Research Stories
From the Harvard University Gazette
Mouse
Stem Cell Line
developed by researchers.
$1M Prize Offered
for the discovery of ALS biomarker.
Growth
of Spinal Nerves is Improved
Could play a role in spinal cord repair.
New
Center Takes Aim at Brain Disease
New collaborative center focuses on neurodegenerative diseases,
including ALS.
>More HU
Gazette on ALS
|
Scientific Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Factor Discovered to Spur Axon Growth
Adds to understanding of nerve cell development and, perhaps, repair.
Computer
Screening Uncovers Compounds Against ALS
Findings
may recharge screening and targeted research.
Mutant
Protein's Link to Nerve Cell Death in ALS
SOD1 Mutants Found to Target Motor Neuron Mitochondria.
Modified
Mice Make Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Physiological role of omega-3 fatty acids in diseases like atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer.
>More Reports
|
Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair
