Hi there. I am a science/ medical writer based in Atlanta GA with a Ph.D. in cancer biochemistry from Emory University. The purpose of this blog is to write about current and interesting science news that may affect people's lives. I hope you enjoy my posts.
Submit your entries for the Science To Life Banner Contest!
Email your entries to sci2life@aol.com or A large-scale genomics study has uncovered new genetic variations associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The findings confirm the link between MS and the autoimmune system and help researchers to better understand the mechanism of this complex disease.
Does this mean we are closer to a cure?
At the moment the new information can tell researchers more about the disease mechanism and how it works. MS is a very complex disease influenced by extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (genetic) factors. These findings can help guide scientists in the direction to finding better treatments.
Read more here.
Comments
This is indeed a very promising lead for MS research. The suspicion of autoimmunity fits with the onset (mid-life), gender (more female), and pathology (demyelination) of those afflicted.
In the Pacific Northwest, we have a lot of billboards around informing Seattlites of the increased prevalence of MS in the upper left corner of the country. The clever signs ask if it's the trees or the rain. Indeed, northern latitude seems to be a risk factor.
Posted by: thomas robey | August 7, 2007 9:33 PM
It is quite interesting that Washington reportedly has one of the nation's highest rates of multiple sclerosis. Yes, northern latitude seems to be a risk factor but the reason for this remains a mystery.
Posted by: Karen Ventii | August 9, 2007 11:21 PM