ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE RAISING ALS AWARENESS . . . While the Ice Bucket Challenge surprisingly continues to raise awareness of the neurodegenerative disease ALS, a world-renowned ALS researcher in London hopes the widespread attention and fundraising begins a new wave of interest into better understanding the deadly condition. “It’s not that it’s easier to go into other fields, but you have a greater likelihood of getting funding in other areas,” said Dr. Michael Strong, dean of Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry and a well-known ALS expert. “My biggest worry has been the next generation, the people who are going to be doing this fundamental cellular research. I’m hoping that this great infusion doesn’t just go to (established) researchers like myself to do more. I’d like to see new investigators. I’d like to see them supported.” According to ALS Canada, the disease — which causes the death of motor nerve cells and the rapid degeneration of voluntary muscles — currently affects approximately 2,500 – 3,000 Canadians over the age of 18. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it’s responsible for approximately two deaths per 100,000 people in Canada per year. Full story here bit.ly/Z5cr1k
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:19:07 +0000
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