Ataxia News and Research

RSS

Ataxia is a neurological sign and symptom that consists of gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying disfunction of the parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum.

Observational study uncovers largest outbreak of neurologic illness to date in the U.S.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases recently published the results of an observational study led by researchers on Children's Hospital Colorado Infectious Disease and Neurology teams, along with counterparts at the Centers for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

8 Jan 2020

New molecular mechanism can reverse genetic defect responsible for Friedreich's ataxia

Scientists at Tufts University have identified a molecular mechanism that could reverse the genetic defect responsible for Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease that leaves its victims with difficulty walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs and impaired speech caused by degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord.

6 Jan 2020

Study sheds light on the origins of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7

New research has shed light on the origins of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) and demonstrates effective new therapeutic pathways for SCA7 and the more than 40 other types of spinocerebellar ataxia.

16 Dec 2019

When caring for a sick spouse shakes a marriage to the core

For a dozen years, Larry Bocchiere, 68, didn't find it especially difficult to care for his wife, Deborah, who struggled with breathing problems. But as her illness took a downward turn, he became overwhelmed by stress.

7 Nov 2019

Inhibiting mutant CHIP protein activity could decrease severity of ataxia disease symptoms

For the first time, the UNC School of Medicine lab of Jonathan Schisler, MS, PhD, linked the specific biochemical changes to a protein called CHIP to specific disease characteristics of patients with a wide range of rare disorders.

6 Nov 2019

Scientists discover gene mutation involved in paraplegia and epilepsy

Researchers have made an important discovery that could help scientists understand the cause of paraplegia and epilepsy.

1 Nov 2019

Some plant foods causing paralysis, death, in malnourished populations

There are a lot of plants eaten for food that may also contain toxins that harm the brain and the nervous system, when present in amounts that cross the limit of individual tolerance. This happens when such toxin-containing foods are the chief or only source of nutrition.

26 Oct 2019

Researchers analyze neurodegeneration linked to FXTAS by measuring motor behavior

The neurological disorder FXTAS stems from a genetic premutation seen in one of every 151 women and one of every 468 men, called the FMR1 premutation.

17 Oct 2019

Scientists discover rare autoimmune disease triggered by testicular cancer

A new autoimmune disease has been discovered that is triggered by testicular cancer. The condition is rare, but cases are growing.

8 Jul 2019

Researchers identify autoimmune disease linked with testicular cancer

Using advanced technology, scientists at Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Mayo Clinic and University of California, San Francisco, have discovered an autoimmune disease that appears to affect men with testicular cancer.

3 Jul 2019

Many of the symptoms for IBS could actually be undiagnosed celiac disease

National charity Celiac UK, is calling on greater awareness of the similarity of symptoms and urges anyone with IBS to ask their GP for a celiac disease blood test, if they have not already had one.

8 May 2019

New mouse model for Joubert Syndrome developed

A new mouse model for Joubert Syndrome has been developed by University of Bath scientists, who hope it will accelerate research to understand how the disease develops as well as help develop and evaluate therapeutic approaches.

3 Apr 2019

Gene behind mitochondrial disease has more varied effects than previously thought

For more than two decades, mutations in a gene located in the DNA of mitochondria have been classified as a mitochondrial disease and linked to a particular set of symptoms.

12 Mar 2019

C-Path and FARA announce launch of Friedreich's Ataxia Integrated Clinical Database

Critical Path Institute's Data Collaboration Center and the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance today announced the launch of the Friedreich's Ataxia Integrated Clinical Database.

28 Feb 2019

Newly designed molecule could benefit people with Friedrich's Ataxia

Skin cells taken from patients with a rare genetic disorder are up to ten times more sensitive to damage from ultraviolet A radiation in laboratory tests, than those from a healthy population, according to new research from the University of Bath.

21 Feb 2019

Chronic Wasting Disease may soon spread to humans, warns CDC

Experts are warning that the consumption of deer meat infected with CWD may lead to the disease spreading to humans within the next few years.

20 Feb 2019

Novel biomarker links tumor progression to genome instability

Our DNA is under constant attack. The delicate molecule that contains our genetic information is extremely vulnerable to everything from environmental agents, such as radiation, to the chemicals in the air we breathe and the food we eat.

10 Jan 2019

New method to speed up genetic diagnosis of Huntington’s disease

Elongated segments of DNA cause Huntington's disease and certain other disorders of the brain. Researchers funded by the SNSF have developed a method to determine the length of the mutated genes quickly and easily.

10 Jan 2019

The Opal: Pushing the Boundaries of Parkinson’s Disease Research

An interview with Dr. Kristen Sowalsky, discussing a wearable gait sensor and its impact on Parkinson’s disease research.

From APDM Wearable Technologies 8 Jan 2019

UI study leads to better understanding of signaling capacity between neurons

The fundamental process of information transfer from neuron to neuron occurs through a relay of electrical and chemical signaling at the synapse, the junction between neurons. Electrical signals, called action potentials, cause voltage-gated calcium channels on the presynaptic neuron to open.

18 Dec 2018