ALS

Human endogenous retroviruses that colonized vertebrate DNA millions of years ago have long been dismissed as junk DNA, but researchers now know that they may play important roles in cancer, neurodegeneration, and other ailments.

Clinical trials that target human endogenous retroviruses to treat multiple sclerosis, ALS, and other ailments are underway, but many questions remain about how these sequences may disrupt our biology.

The scientific community said goodbye to a number of leading researchers this year.

In human cells, researchers deploy the genome editor to snip out toxic repetitive sequences.

Researchers identify a new ALS-associated gene thanks to funds generated by the social media challenge that went viral in summer 2014.

At first blush, do-it-yourself clinical trials seem pointless and reckless. But a deeper truth pervades the research and the patients who drive it forward.

Data on the links between ALS and the chemical have been contradictory, but the latest study suggests undertakers are at risk.

Harvard Professor Marc Weisskopf discusses the potential link between formaldehyde and ALS.

Biotech company Genervon has requested accelerated approval for its experimental ALS drug after a small but promising Phase 2 trial. Patients advocate for its acceptance, while researchers urge caution.

Statisticians who normally crunch numbers to forecast trends in the food-service industry turn their attention to bettering treatment of ALS.

The ALS Association has raised more than $100 million in donations through a charity campaign that went viral. How should that money be spent?

Several US legislators who voted in favor of a bill that cut federal funding for ALS research have taken the chilly plunge for charity.

Protein aggregates in the brains of some people with dementia or motor neuron disease have a surprising origin.

ALS patients take their fate into their own hands, self-administering an unapproved chemical and collating their results online.