A newly developed research mouse that has the same combination of genetic alterations that causes human facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is expected to change the way research in this disease is conducted, possibly speeding the development of therapies.

An online survey about ALS symptoms, now open to people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is being conducted by the Neurological Clinical Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston.

The news is generally favorable for many important government-funded neuromuscular disease research projects, in the wake of Congress’ recent passage of a continuing resolution funding the government through the end of September. 

An experimental drug designed to treat the underlying molecular defect in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has shown encouraging results in a phase 1 trial.

R. Rodney Howell — respected geneticist, pediatrician and chairman of the MDA Board of Directors — has been honored by the March of Dimes for playing a key role in developing the uniform panel of serious disorders for which nearly every baby in the United States now is tested.

Advances in technology have led to greater sensitivity in imaging techniques, increasing scientists' ability to see into the brain and spinal cord.