Patients who had diabetes when diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were on average quicker to lose their ability to walk compared to ALS patients without diabetes. Japanese researchers published their study — Factors Influencing the Loss of Ambulation in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study — in Health Science Reports in…
Researchers: ALS Patients with Diabetes Quicker to Lose Ability to Walk
Briefly: Southwest Changes Wheelchair Rules; Biotechnology Company Wins $5M Parkinson’s Grant
Featuring Southwest Airlines, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Lys Therapeutics.
Southwest Changes Wheelchair Battery, Size Policies Southwest Airlines has changed its policies for transporting wheelchairs and mobility devices, with new rules going into effect Sept. 25, 2025. Starting on that date, “wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches (86.36 cm) or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches (114.2 cm) will…
Study: Cold Sore Virus Could Contribute to Multiple Sclerosis
New research from the University of Illinois Chicago discusses the link between HSV-1 and MS.
A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago linked the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) — an extremely common virus that causes cold sores — with the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). The study — MLKL-OPTN axis regulates herpes virus-induced neurological sequelae — was published in June by Clinical and Translational…
Study: MS Patients Showed Increased Need for Health Care Decades Before Being Diagnosed
The research examined data from more than 35,000 people with multiple sclerosis.
Even decades before they were diagnosed, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) had a greater need for medical care compared to people without MS, according to a new study supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS Canada. The study — Phenotyping Healthcare Use 2-3 Decades Before the First Multiple Sclerosis Demyelinating Event — was…
Briefly: RESNA Schedules ATP Certification Session for July 24; NIH to Limit Access Fees to Publicly Funded Research
Featuring the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America and the National Institutes of Health.
Next RESNA ATP Certification Pop-Up Scheduled for July 24 The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is holding its next Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification pop-up session on Thursday, July 24, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Eastern time. The free-to-attend certification pop-up events focus on ATP certification topics such as…
UK Study: MRI Results May Diagnose MS Without Need for Lumbar Punctures
New research showed multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed by looking for central vein signs within brain lesions.
New research in Neurology Open Access reported that central vein signs (CVS) on an MRI scan could diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) without putting a patient through an invasive, “often painful” lumbar puncture (LP). The research — “Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of the Central Vein Sign and CSF Oligoclonal Bands Supporting the Diagnosis of Multiple…
New NIH, CMS Partnership Aims to Build ‘Data Platform’ for Research on Chronic Conditions
Despite assurances that patient privacy will be protected, some health-care stakeholders are wary about data sharing.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are partnering on a “real-world data platform enabling advanced research across claims data, electronic medical records, and consumer wearables,” the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) said in a May 7 press release. “We’re using this partnership to uncover…
Briefly: ‘Stronger Together’ Podcast Launches May 13; Parkinson’s Researchers Seeking Volunteers for Scratch-and-Sniff Test
Featuring United Spinal Association, M.A.R.C. Network, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
United Spinal, M.A.R.C. Network to Debut ‘Stronger Together’ Podcast on May 13 As part of their newly announced partnership, United Spinal Association and the M.A.R.C. Network are launching their “Stronger Together with Marc & Matt” podcast on May 13, starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. The first episode will feature Wheel with Me Adapt Fit…
United Spinal Launches Effort to Restore SCIRP Funding in 2026
The Spinal Cord Injury Research Program at the Department of Defense was eliminated in March.
United Spinal Association is urging stakeholders to join the fight to restore funding for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) in 2026. “On March 15, the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program at the Department of Defense was eliminated,” United Spinal said in a May 1 bulletin. “There was no notice.…
University of Pittsburgh Study Seeks Input from Military Members, Veterans with SCI
Researchers are testing out a smartphone app to help veterans and caregivers manage medical issues.
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a research study involving military members and veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). In a social media post, Brad Dicianno, M.D., a professor in the university’s department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, school of medicine, said, “We are looking for veterans with spinal cord injury and their caregivers to…