research

$2.9M research grant funds technology for MS stem cell therapy

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has awarded a $2.9 million, five-year grant to a research project that aims to advance a new technology that could improve stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological disorders. ā€œThe work we plan to undertake has significant implications…

MS Society Canada Raising Millions With Rappel Gear, Office Tower

In an unusual challenge, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of CanadaĀ is raising millions to promoteĀ multiple sclerosis (MS) research in that country by having supporters rappel off the roof of a downtown Toronto office building. More than 145 individuals across at least 36 teams are expected to participate in the…

National MS Society Funds 13 New Research Projects

The National MS Society has announced it is funding 13 new research projects that seek to better understand the risk factors involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) development and progression. The funding ā€” nearly $7 million in total ā€” also will go to “rescue” 22 MS-related research projects that…

Can Focusing on the Epstein-Barr Virus Help Researchers Fight MS?

There are continuing signals that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a fuel that can spark a multiple sclerosis (MS) fire. EBV is a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, more commonly known as mono. Sometimes called the “kissing disease” because the virus that causes it is easily spread through saliva,…

COVID-19 Stalling MS Research Into Rehabilitation, Quality of Life

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be stalling research into rehabilitation and quality of life (QoL) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in many countries worldwide, a new observational study reports. According to the study, many researchers have found it “significantly more” challenging to recruit participants for studies, and most…

Canadians Urged to ā€˜Take Action for MSā€™

As the federal election looms in Canada, a nation that has one of the worldā€™s highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS), the MS Society of Canada is urging patients and advocates to inform candidates about issues of importance to the MS community. The letter-writing and social media campaign,…

MS Society in UK Commits to Raising $5.2M for Research

The MS Society in the U.K. is hoping to raise Ā£3.7 million ($5.2 million) to fund research aimed at developing new treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). The funds will support research at the Societyā€™s Centers of Excellence in Edinburgh and CambridgeĀ over five years. ā€œOur top priority…

MS Patient Donates $700,000 to Ochsner MS Work

Desi Harrison, a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient and president of the nonprofit MS Warriors for a Cause, has donated $700,000 to support the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute. The funds will help support research and care at theĀ Ochsner Multiple Sclerosis Center to ensure that patients ā€” like Harrison, who…

Need to Know: What Participating in MS Research Entails

Editor’s note: “Need to Knowā€ is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum. This week’s question is inspired by the forum post ā€œIā€™ve Been Spoiled by My Clinical Trial,ā€ published March 5. Share your…

Need to Know: Does Air Pollution Cause MS?

Editor’s note: “Need to Knowā€ is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum. This week’s question is inspired by the forum post “From Sun to Salt: Growing Role of Environment in MS,” published on…

More Evidence Links Epstein-Barr Virus to MS

More support has been added to the belief that a link exists between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Epstein-Barr is one of the most common viruses, and most people become infected with it at some point in their lives. Frequently, it appears in childhood as…

Need to Know: What Is the Microbiome?

Editor’s note: “Need to Knowā€ is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum. This week’s question is inspired by “Newly Diagnosed MS Patients Show Changes in Gut Microbiome, Study Says,” from Dec. 3, 2019.

Sara Loud to Lead Accelerated Cure Project for MS as New CEO

Leadership changes at the Accelerated Cure Project (ACP) for Multiple SclerosisĀ aim to enhance the nonprofit patient-founded organizationā€™s research focus. Robert McBurney has stepped down as president and CEO after eight years to become ACPā€™s first chief research officer. He will continue in the position of research lead for the…

Weill Neurohub Unites 3 Academic Centers with DOE Scientists to Advance Tools, Treatments for MS and Other Ills

Three academic research institutions launched the Weill Neurohub initiative, an effort to speed the discovery and development of therapies forĀ neurological diseases thatĀ includeĀ multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinsonā€™s and Alzheimerā€™s disease, and for psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. The initiative unites three West Coast…

MS Among Research and Discussion Topics at 24th World Congress of Neurology

Some 4,000 science experts from 126 countries will gather at the 24th World Congress of NeurologyĀ (WCN 2019) to discuss cutting-edgeĀ research, including advances in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Hosted by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Emirates Neurology Society,Ā the conference will run Oct. 27ā€“31,Ā inĀ Dubai,…

National MS Society Awards $14.6M Supporting 43 New Research Projects

TheĀ NationalĀ Multiple Sclerosis SocietyĀ (NMSS) awarded $14.6 million in grants supporting 43 new and multiyear research projectsĀ intoĀ multiple sclerosisĀ (MS), part of a projected $36 million investment in disease research for 2019, the society announced on its website. Funded projects include research into new ways of halting progressive MS, the…

Need to Know: What Are ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS?

Editor’s note: ā€œNeed to Know” is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum. This week’s question is inspired by a frequent reference made in our forums as well as in our columns and articles.

EMD Serono Launches MS-LINK Research Network to Improve Patient Care

EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA in the U.S. and Canada, announced the launch of the company’s Multiple Sclerosis Leadership and Innovation Network (MS-LINK), an interdisciplinary research community aimed at improving the care of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The program will combine clinical outcomes…

Need to Know: Do I Need Contrast Dye for an MRI?

Editor’s note: “Need to Know” is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum.Ā This week’s question is inspired by the forum topicĀ “Gadolinium ā€“ The contrast agent used in MRI scans,” from April 10,…