If you're the parent of a young child who uses a power mobility device, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children — both in western Canada — are interested in hearing from you. The study is open to U.S. residents.

Treatment with an engineered version of the naturally produced interferon gamma protein enhanced the ability to move, and improved balance and coordination in mice with a disease resembling Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a team of researchers has reported. In addition, treatment with interferon gamma prevented degeneration of sensory neurons (nerve cells) in the mice.

Decision making about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a complex, multiphase process for couples, a new study has found. Understanding it, the investigators say, may be helpful to prospective parents who know they're at risk for transmitting a genetic disorder, and to the professionals who advise them.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a peripheral nerve disorder that can be caused by mutations in more than 50 different genes. Recent research has resulted in several new tools that will help advance the work of researchers in this field.

Top scientists and clinicians from around the world are discussing the latest research in neuroscience, and the care of individuals with nerve and muscle diseases, at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in New Orleans, April 21-28.

Several experts presented their views of "best practices" for care of people with neuromuscular disorders at MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference, held in Las Vegas March 4-7.

Many questions remain about optimal care in these disorders, but it's clear that attention to heart and respiratory function are of paramount importance.

This article looks at:

More than 500 physicians, allied health care professionals and MDA staff attended the MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference in Las Vegas, March 4-7.

The program emphasized:

The biopharmaceutical company Repligen Corp., headquartered in Waltham, Mass., has launched a phase 1 clinical trial to test its experimental compound, RG2833, in adults with Friedreich's ataxia (FA). The trial is the first of a therapy specifically developed to treat the underlying molecular cause of FA.

The phase 1 trial is being conducted at San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital in Turin, Italy, and will test the safety of the drug.

Respondents to MDA’s Transitions Survey — in other words, people with a neuromuscular disease who are in their teens through late 30s — made it clear they had questions about the genetics of their disease, as well as questions about family planning and the value of diagnostic testing.

MDA’s Genetic Counseling Webinar, which occurred Feb. 22, 2012, answers many of those questions.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 38 new grants totaling more than $12 million to fund research projects focused on its continuing mission to uncover the causes of, and develop therapies for, the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in its program.

MDA's Board of Directors reviewed and approved the new grants based on recommendations from the Association's Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees, and the grants took effect Feb. 1.