News In Research

The MND Association's activities and contacts helps us to keep up to date with the latest research news. Below are some articles that have recently hit the headlines.

Drawing on scientific advances in stem cell research through a PhD studentship

The Association is funding a PhD studentship project which will be using stem cell research to advance our knowledge of MND.


Harnessing the power of stem cells to unlock the secrets of MND

The Association is funding a groundbreaking stem cell research programme.


FUS clumps found in majority of cases of MND

Researchers from Chicago have found clumps of FUS proteins in motor neurones of people with familial MND AND in motor neurones of people with sporadic MND.


New genetic cause of MND suggests cellular ‘traffic jams’ may play a role in all forms of MND

Researchers from Japan have recently announced that a rare mistake in a gene called Optineurin can cause MND and may play a role in all forms of MND.


MND Association funded study finds new clues to genetic causes of MND

A study, part funded by the MND Association using money raised by Walk to D’Feet*, and in collaboration with the ALS Association and other funding bodies, has found another genetic mistake that can cause a rare, inherited form of the disease.


US lithium trial results published in scientific journal

The research team which conducted the US clinical trial investigating the effects of lithium carbonate (lithium) as a possible treatment for MND have had their results published by Lancet Neurology.


Development of guidelines for the use of models in MND research

New guidelines for the use of animal models in MND research have recently been published in the research journal ALS. These guidelines aim to promote the need for consistency and verification of results found using models.


Stem cell safety trials get underway

The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration has given the go-ahead for stem cell treatments for MND to enter the earliest stage of the clinical trials process.


Gene variation leads to earlier age of onset

A Canadian-led research group has identified a genetic 'spelling variation' that appears to reduce the age at which somebody develops MND.


Places available on drug trial

People with MND are being recruited for an important clinical trial of the drug lithium carbonate, taking place at ten centres around England. This trial, funded by the MND Association, will provide neurologists with vital evidence about this potential treatment.


Genetic Risk Factors Found in Sporadic MND

An international genome wide association study, led by Prof Van den Berg and including MND Association funded researchers, has identified three genetic variations (subtle differences in 'spelling' of the genetic code) that increase the risk of somebody developing MND.


Research news archive

Look back over the news from the past couple of years.