Reading Time: 5 minutesMy current work focuses on looking at the cell types that are affected in MND and how they impact each other. Motor neurons, the main cell type affected in MND, connect our brains and muscles. This connection is what allows us to move. In MND, these cells start to die, which is what leads to progressive paralysis. But motor neurons aren’t the only cell types affected by MND. They are surrounded by many more cells called glia, which have roles in keeping our motor neurons healthy.
Category: Causes and disease mechanisms

Reading Time: 5 minutesI’m Hannah, an MND Association-funded first year PhD student at the University of Nottingham. During my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, also at Nottingham, I had the opportunity to do a project researching MND in the lab, where my interest in MND began. During this project I also met someone who was living with MND, who had come to hear about the research happening in our lab. Hearing his insights into the devastating effects of MND really stuck with me, and I decided I wanted to begin a career in MND research. This led me to my PhD project, in which I am aiming to make a natural type of cell called astrocytes more protective of motor neurones. We hope that this work will inform us of a possible new way to treat MND.

A stepping stone to becoming future leaders in MND research
Reading Time: 6 minutesMND is a very complex disease and collaboration within the research community is key to building on our current understanding of the disease biology and

Reading Time: 6 minutesQurAlis, a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for MND and other neurodegenerative diseases, has announced the opening of a clinical trial in the

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn June we hosted the second MND EnCouRage UK event for early career researchers (ECRs) which aims to support them to continue working in the

Reading Time: 3 minutesMy name is Sara Tacconelli and I grew up in a small town in Abruzzo, Italy, and I was raised in a nurturing environment, surrounded by love and affection from my family and friends. I always had a passion for science and as I grew older, a strong desire to dedicate my life to a meaningful cause emerged within me- a desire to somehow make a difference in the lives of others.

Highlights from MND EnCouRage UK 2023
Reading Time: 5 minutesHi everyone! My name’s Katie and I recently joined the Association as a Supporter Information Officer. My role offers me a unique perspective as I

Reading Time: 6 minutesMND is a complex disease, and the causes are still not fully understood. Researchers all around the world are working tirelessly on different theories to

Reading Time: 5 minutesALS is the most common form of MND and these terms are used interchangeably in this blog. MND is a complex disease, with many potential