Living Library
Links to Online Research Resources for Multiple Sclerosis
A Charity dedicated to research and extending knowledge about MS with the aim of providing
better treatment and hastening a cure.
University of Brunel - The Centre for the Study of Health, Sickness and Illness
(CSHSI)
This site gives details on the Centre for the Study of Health, Sickness and Disablement, its
approach, events, training courses and conferences. There is also specific information on the MS
research centre and its specific aims. The most interesting areas are the completed and current
research projects. These include the employment of the people with MS, and assessing the needs of
people with MS.
MS First
MS First supports the Bristol Research Unit, which is based within the United Bristol
Healthcare NHS Trust and associated with the University of Bristol. 'First' stands for Further
Information Research, Support and Training in MS. The aim is to look for new ways to treat the
disease. There is information on the studies that have been or are currently being carried out,
such as the emotional impact of MS and the MS Tremor Project.
British Myelin Trust
The British Trust for the Myelin Project is a non-profit partnership of neurologists,
researchers and lay people. The project aims to accelerate research on myelin repair, which is
destroyed by diseases such as MS. The site offers information on its latest research, publications,
a glossary and a links page through to world laboratories.
Boston Cure Project
The Boston Cure Project is an American non-profit organisation searching for a cure for MS
by determining the cause, or causes of MS. It aims to create a framework, called the Cure Map, in
conjunction with scientists, researchers and lay people and share this information. There is a
quarterly PDF newsletter, articles concerning their research, MS news and a links page.
The European Charcot Foundation
This is a European base non-profit organisation that consists of 500 institution and 950
investigators. Their aim is to use a European dimension in MS research through European
co-operation. The site offers details on the events including the latest symposium and the lectures
given.
Institute of Neurology
This site offers information on the Institute, its research and training programme. It also
has an extensive library and a list of online medical databases.
The UK MS Tissue Bank
The Tissue Bank procures brain, spinal cord and other tissues bequeathed by donors and makes
them available to scientists researching the cause of MS. The donation is of fundamental importance
to furthering the understanding of the cause of MS and developing treatments. Therefore you are
able to find out information on how to register as a donor, plus there are articles on the tissue
bank and a newsletter.
Centre of Restoration on Function of
Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis
The Yale school of Medicine performed a transplant of nerve cells in 2001. The site offers
information on their mission, latest research projects, publications and staff members.
British Medical
Journal
The journal has an archive of articles dating back to 1998. In this MS-specific section
there is the ability to see a summary, full text, or PDF format of an article, plus the ability to
email or even comment on it. Not all articles are technical and a wide variety of subjects are
covered for example the causes of MS, cannabis trials, interferon beta, recent developments in
research and funding. A very informative site.
Causes:
Place of Residence in Childhood May Influence Development of MS risk
http://www.mssociety.ca/en/research/medmmo_placeofres_20060808.htm
MS has been most often reported in people of Northern European descent. In contrast,
areas such as Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean are more low risk. In this Candian
study the researchers found that childhood residence can be a major determinant of MS risk.
MS ‘Linked to Anaesthetic
Gases’
Exposure to anaesthetic gases at work could triple the risk of developing MS, a small study
in Sweden suggests.
Row over cause of Multiple
Sclerosis
A group of scientists have provoked controversy by suggesting that the medical world is wrong
about what causes MS.
Sex link to Multiple
Sclerosis
MS might be triggered by a sexually transmitted infection, an expert from the London
Institute of Neurology has suggested.
Cure:
Stem Cells and the Future of MS Research
http://www.mstrust.org.uk/information/stemcells.jsp
On 6 September 2006, the MS Trust hosted an event that brought together leading figures in MS
in the UK to discuss the state of research into the condition and the role of stem cell therapies
in future treatments.
New and Emerging Treatment Options for MS.
Abstract from the US National Medical Library on current and future disease-modifying
drugs.
Human
Protein from Yeast
Genetic engineers have found a way to make human proteins using a humble yeast. The technique
could open a path for new ways to brew sophisticated medicines in huge quantities.
Adult Stem Cells
tackle Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment with adult stem cells has cured mice suffering with a form of MS, say Italian
researchers.
Heart Drug Hope for MS
Cholesterol drugs, statins, could tackle the development of MS.
MS Damage Repaired
by Stem Cells
Damage caused by MS could be repaired using stem cells extracted from a patient’s bone
marrow, new Australian research suggests.
MS Drug Shows Promise
A drug which stops body tissues from getting inflamed may be able to tackle both multiple
sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
MS Tissue Damage Hope
Scientists in America say they have identified a natural chemical with the potential to stop
the tissue damage associated with MS.
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