Genetic Source of Muscular Dystrophy Neutralized
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found a way to block the genetic flaw at the heart of a common form of muscular dystrophy. The results of the study, which were published in the journal Science, could pave the way for new therapies that essentially reverse the symptoms of the disease.
Proteins in the Brain Point to New Approaches for Stroke, Parkinson’s, Depression and Addiction
In two published studies, scientists have unraveled how tiny proteins in the brain have huge implications in serious neurological disorders. In a paper published in the Journal of Cell Biology, scientists uncover how a protein regulates mitochondria, a discovery that could shed new light on how the brain recovers from stroke and lead to novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of a host of other neurological disorders. Read more».
Identification of another protein, oct3, could lead to new treatment approaches for Parkinson’s, drug addiction and depression. In a Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper, scientists showed how they were able to both stimulate and block the actions of oct3, depending on the disease they were trying to influence. Eventually, a compound could be developed to help with Parkinson’s, drug addiction, and depression. Read More ».
SCI and Blue M&Ms: The Science Behind the Headlines
In late July, a flurry of headlines proclaimed that blue M&Ms and Gatorade could help heal spinal cord injuries. While some headlines were misleading, the basis for the story is scientific research published in both Nature Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences conducted by husband and wife research team Maiken Nedergaard, M.D., D.M.Sc., and Steve Goldman, M.D., Ph.D. Read how BBG (a compound similar to blue food dye) has successfully reduced spinal cord secondary injury in the lab and what this could mean down the line for spinal-cord-injured patients.
Telemedicine Expands Reach of Care for Parkinson’s Patients 
A pilot project that used telemedicine to provide care to Parkinson’s patients living in a nursing home showed that the patients had significant improvements in quality of life and motor function. The results of the pilot, presented at the June 2009 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, indicate that telemedicine has the potential to reshape the way individuals with Parkinson’s disease think about their care and, ultimately, where to live.
Video: Hear and see how this novel program works, along with perspectives on treating Parkinson’s patients through telemedicine from neurologists Ray Dorsey, M.D., and Kevin Biglan, M.D.
Simple, Inexpensive Blood Test Could Speed Diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy
Despite advances in genetic testing and treatment, diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is still delayed almost 2 ½ years from the time of onset of symptoms. A simple and inexpensive blood test for any boy with signs of motor delays and abnormalities could speed up the process, helping them start treatment and access important specialty care earlier, neurologists state in a recent article published in the Journal of Pediatrics.
URMC Establishes Neuromedicine Institute
A $10 million gift has helped launch the Ernest J. Del Monte Neuromedicine Institute, which will serve as an umbrella for a host of vibrant research centers and growing clinical care programs throughout the University of Rochester Medical Center, including the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
