Researchers synthesize ocean-based molecule that could fight Parkinson’s and similar disorders

Researchers at UCLA have successfully created a synthetic version of a small molecule found in a recently discovered sea sponge that appears to have therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders. The molecule, known as lissodendoric acid A, appears to counteract other molecules that can damage DNA, RNA and proteins and destroy whole cells. Click here to read more.

Using motion capture technology and AI to monitor the progression of movement disorders

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has developed a way to monitor the progression of movement disorders using motion-capture technology and AI. In two ground-breaking studies that combine human-movement data gathered from wearable tech with new medical AI technology, researchers identified clear movement patterns, predicted future disease progression and significantly increased the efficiency of clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Friedreich's ataxia. Click here to learn more.

How Huntington’s disease affects different neurons

Neuroscientists at MIT believe that neurodegeneration of one of two cell populations in the striatum - a part of the brain that is hardest hit in patients with Huntington’s disease - may lead to motor impairments, while damage to the other population may account for mood disorders that are often seen in the early stages of the disease. Click here to read more.

Study links viral infections to Parkinson’s disease

A massive data mining study has found numerous associations between common viruses like the flu and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The findings expand on previous research linking individual viruses to neurological diseases. Click here to learn more.

Tackling the bane of musicians’ existence: focal dystonia

Focal dystonia in musicians presents itself as muscular incoordination or loss of voluntary motor control of extensively trained movements while a musician is playing the instrument. Focal dystonia is highly disabling and in many cases terminates musical careers.

Dr. Xenos Mason is the founder of the multidisciplinary Musician’s Neurology Clinic at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. The clinic, which provides resources and treatments for the numerous injuries that plague musicians and dancers, includes specialized research in finding answers to focal dystonia. Dr. Mason also is an accomplished French horn player. Click here to read more.