Genomics

‘Smart’ cartilage cells programmed to release drugs when stressed

New technology could lead to treatments for osteoarthritis. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have engineered cartilage cells to release an anti-inflammatory drug in response to stresses such cells … READ MORE

FDA approves new drug to treat common form of muscular dystrophy based on research from U of A scientist

Created using synthetic DNA, viltolarsen is an excellent example of precision medicine. The U.S. FDA has approved a drug called viltolarsen to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug was developed based on research by U of A … READ MORE

About 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be tied to brain wiring genes

Study confirms genetic link in cerebral palsy. NIH-funded study points to genes that control the establishment of neural circuits during early development. Co-author, Emeritus Professor Alastair MacLennan with Mathew Reinersten, from … READ MORE

Canadian study sheds surprising light on the causes of cerebral palsy

Wider use of genetic testing in children with CP should be considered. Dr. Michael Shevell and Dr. Maryam Oskoui both study co-authors and researchers at the Research Institute of the MUHC from the Child Health and Human Development … READ MORE

Deep data dive helps researchers predict spastic cerebral palsy

Interdisciplinary team from UD, Nemours and Genome Profiling report new findings in understanding the condition. The pioneering technique UD Professor Adam Marsh developed to analyze the genetic activity of Antarctic worms is proving … READ MORE

Research to make early diagnosis, intervention possible for cerebral palsy

A test to diagnose cerebral palsy at birth, which could allow infants access to critical early interventions, is one step closer thanks to research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Victoria, Australia. … READ MORE

Scientists zero in on treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

About 1 in 2,500 people have a degenerative nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). The disease is typically diagnosed in children, who can lose their ability to walk and use their hands for fine motor skills. There is no … READ MORE

Canadian study identifies genetic link to cause of cerebral palsy

New, groundbreaking evidence suggests a much stronger underlying genetic link in children with hemiplegic CP – the most common type of CP – than previously thought. Two years. Affectionately Yours Flickr The Hospital for Sick … READ MORE

Researchers call on province to fund genetic testing for cerebral palsy

New study shows genetic variations are a factor in 20 per cent of hemiplegic CP cases. What was thought to be an almost entirely environmental disorder has a significant genetic component. – Stephen Scherer, Hospital for Sick … READ MORE

Uncovering origins of developmental brain disorders

UAlberta research gives new insight into healthy brain development. Recent research discoveries in the development of brain disorders could pave the way to new therapies for treating seizures, and even some children with autism, says … READ MORE

7-year-old’s mystery illness baffles specialists

Gracie Lee Straus loves taking photographs of people and turning them into jigsaw puzzles on her iPad — from her friends and teachers to her doctors, nurses and therapists. She loves puzzles, even the old-fashioned, hands-on ones. … READ MORE

Ancient DNA evidence traces origin of horses’ smooth ride

Horses have held an important place in human history since ancient times. So-called ambling horses are particularly prized for their ability to travel in a way that’s comfortable for riders, with a smooth, four-beat rhythm. … READ MORE