Russian scientists have been making claims recently that ALS may have viral cause. Because of these claims, US scientists have been investigating these options and aren't as convinced as the Russians. They did not rule out the idea, however. This theory is possible because of knowledge of a certain type of virus called a retrovirus. ALS patients have been known to have unusual retrovirus activity in their bodies, evidence to suggest that viruses may be linked to ALS. If ALS was caused by a virus, it would make it much easier to cure. This is why research into the links between ALS and virus activity is vital. More on this here:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cold-war-collaboration-probed-possible-viral-cause-als?tgt=nr
Do you know why the Russians have reason to believe that ALS is caused by a viral cause other than the fact ALS patients have more unusual retrovirus activity in their bodies?
ReplyDeleteHow would knowing that ALS is caused by a virus make it easier to cure?
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