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Focus Articles | Back to ALS page

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease, therefore this page includes Focus stories which have potential implications for ALS, too.

2003

Enzyme Stands Guard Against Nerve Cell Death - August 29, 2003.
Researchers have discovered a potential enzyme protector produced in the brain whose molecular activity, like cerebral activity in general, may guard against nerve cell deterioration.

Immune Cells Deal Death Blow to Damaged Neurons - July 11, 2003.
Catching a common cold may take an additional toll on people with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

2002

Protector Protein Part of Nerve Cell Defense - October 11, 2002.
By Blocking Cell Death, Small Heat Shock Protein Might Counter Neurodegenerative Disease.

New Center to Focus on Nervous System Repair - September 27, 2002.
A new research collaboration will bring together investigators with common interests in nervous system repair, with aims to benefit patients over the coming decades.

Compounds May Improve on Standard MS Therapy - June 21, 2002.
Using a mouse model of MS, Harvard researchers made copolymers that bind to HLA DR2 better than Copolymer 1 does. They found that these new copolymers also suppressed the disease more efficiently.

Retreat Promotes Culture of Collaboration to Counter Neurodegeneration - June 21, 2002.
The Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair (HCNR), a program dedicated to understanding and treating neurodegenerative disease, is in a fortunate position.

Old-line Antibiotic Seen to Save Neurons - May 17, 2002.
Researchers find that minocycline helps protect mice from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Neuro Center Ramps Up Drug Discovery Core - April 19, 2002.
Building a drug discovery program that works faster, cheaper, and better than those at pharmaceutical companies is just one facet of the Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair's mission.

2001

An Alternate Take on Alzheimer's - July 13, 2001.
Story mentions the malfunction that is linked to Lou Gehrig's disease.

The Art of Healing - April 6, 2001.
Symposium includes HMS physician reflections upon living with ALS.

2000

No Home Run, But Batter on Base Against Lou Gehrig's Disease - April 21, 2000.
Researchers report that blocking cell death enzymes prolongs the life of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).