Latest news with #MSA
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Clues To Diagnosing Parkinson's And MSA Discovered
Press Release – University of Auckland Australasian brain scientists have made a breakthrough that could help to diagnose Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Researchers at the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research – Dr Victor Dieriks and Dr James Wiseman – and University of Sydney Professor Glenda Halliday have discovered distinctive markers in the brains of people with the two diseases, which are often mistaken for one another in the early stages. 'It's vital to be able to accurately distinguish between Parkinson's and MSA early on, because this directly impacts on treatment decisions and patients' well-being,' says Dieriks. Currently, diagnosis of Parkinson's and MSA is based on patients' symptoms. Misdiagnosis often occurs, because the two conditions have similar symptoms. 'When misdiagnosed, patients with MSA are often given the Parkinson's drug, levodopa, which not only fails to help, but can worsen symptoms in some cases,' says Dieriks. While both conditions affect movement, Parkinson's typically progresses slowly with tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowness of movement. In contrast, MSA advances rapidly and includes problems such as severe balance issues, and disturbances in blood pressure and heart rate. The team used an innovative technique to study donated brain tissue in the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland and the Sydney Brain Bank. They focused on a protein involved in both diseases – -synuclein – and found distinctive patterns and levels in Parkinson's, compared with MSA. 'We discovered this protein clumps differently in the brains of people with Parkinson's and MSA and the levels in MSA are far higher,' says Dieriks. Their discovery could pave the way for a simple, non-invasive test, such as a nasal swab, blood test, or urine sample, to reliably tell the two conditions apart. Lead researcher Wiseman says it's a significant breakthrough to be able to definitively diagnose Parkinson's and MSA from brain tissue. 'What's really exciting is we're a step closer to being able to diagnose these disorders by using readily available body fluids. 'This means we could pick up Parkinson's and MSA early, potentially before people even start to experience symptoms,' says Wiseman. Parkinson's disease affects millions globally, while MSA is far rarer, impacting about five in every 100,000 people. But MSA's toll is devastating, says Dieriks. 'MSA can turn active, independent people into individuals needing full-time care within just a few years. 'Whereas people with Parkinson's may live for decades, those with MSA typically survive only three to ten years after symptoms begin,' says Dieriks. Globally, research on Parkinson's is progressing rapidly, he says. 'We're closer than ever to developing a diagnostic test for Parkinson's. And the sooner we can catch these diseases, the better chance we have of slowing or stopping their progression.'
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Clues To Diagnosing Parkinson's And MSA Discovered
Australasian brain scientists have made a breakthrough that could help to diagnose Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Researchers at the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research – Dr Victor Dieriks and Dr James Wiseman – and University of Sydney Professor Glenda Halliday have discovered distinctive markers in the brains of people with the two diseases, which are often mistaken for one another in the early stages. 'It's vital to be able to accurately distinguish between Parkinson's and MSA early on, because this directly impacts on treatment decisions and patients' well-being,' says Dieriks. Currently, diagnosis of Parkinson's and MSA is based on patients' symptoms. Misdiagnosis often occurs, because the two conditions have similar symptoms. 'When misdiagnosed, patients with MSA are often given the Parkinson's drug, levodopa, which not only fails to help, but can worsen symptoms in some cases,' says Dieriks. While both conditions affect movement, Parkinson's typically progresses slowly with tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowness of movement. In contrast, MSA advances rapidly and includes problems such as severe balance issues, and disturbances in blood pressure and heart rate. The team used an innovative technique to study donated brain tissue in the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland and the Sydney Brain Bank. They focused on a protein involved in both diseases – -synuclein – and found distinctive patterns and levels in Parkinson's, compared with MSA. 'We discovered this protein clumps differently in the brains of people with Parkinson's and MSA and the levels in MSA are far higher,' says Dieriks. Their discovery could pave the way for a simple, non-invasive test, such as a nasal swab, blood test, or urine sample, to reliably tell the two conditions apart. Lead researcher Wiseman says it's a significant breakthrough to be able to definitively diagnose Parkinson's and MSA from brain tissue. 'What's really exciting is we're a step closer to being able to diagnose these disorders by using readily available body fluids. 'This means we could pick up Parkinson's and MSA early, potentially before people even start to experience symptoms,' says Wiseman. Parkinson's disease affects millions globally, while MSA is far rarer, impacting about five in every 100,000 people. But MSA's toll is devastating, says Dieriks. 'MSA can turn active, independent people into individuals needing full-time care within just a few years. 'Whereas people with Parkinson's may live for decades, those with MSA typically survive only three to ten years after symptoms begin,' says Dieriks. Globally, research on Parkinson's is progressing rapidly, he says. 'We're closer than ever to developing a diagnostic test for Parkinson's. And the sooner we can catch these diseases, the better chance we have of slowing or stopping their progression.'
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
RAIL endorsement for ethical AI in education
Al Hekma International School has been officially awarded the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Learning (RAIL) Endorsement Certificate by MSA (Modern School of Advancement), recognizing the school's proactive commitment to ethical and responsible use of AI in education. This endorsement places Al Hekma among a growing network of educational institutions leading the way in implementing responsible AI to enhance teaching, learning, and school operations. Over the past six months, AHIS' faculty and leadership team have successfully completed a rigorous series of training sessions and assessments designed to align AI practices with globally accepted ethical standards. 'This endorsement is not just a certification, it is a reflection of our values,' said Mr. Mohanned Al Anni, Chairman of the Board of Directors. 'We believe in preparing our students for a future shaped by innovation, and that includes equipping them with the skills and ethical grounding to navigate the age of AI.' Ms. Rima Kaissi, Director of Development, added: 'At AHIS, we see AI not as a replacement, but as a tool to empower educators and learners. The RAIL endorsement reaffirms our commitment to digital transformation with purpose and integrity.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns murder of Punjab influencer ‘Kamal Kaur Bhabi'; rejects Akal Takht priest's justification, says violence has no place in Sikhism
Punjab influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabi MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Sikh Association (MSA) strongly condemned the recent killing of young social media influencer Kanchan Tiwari, also popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi in Punjab. The association also rejected the statement made by a senior functionary of the Akal Takht, who appeared to condone the influencer's murder. "We strongly denounce this act of violence and any attempt to justify it in the name of faith. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings are clear—reform must come through compassion, not coercion. This murder is a tragic failure of dialogue and restraint. Such actions have no place in a civilised or spiritual society," said Bal Malkit Singh, Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association (MSA). Tiwari was killed for allegedly promoting "obscenity and vulgarity in society" through her social media posts. Singh stated that his organisation acknowledges the content shared by the victim may have raised genuine concerns among some sections of society regarding values and public decency, but there is absolutely no justification for murder. The justification of the murder by a senior priest of the Akal Takht has also drawn criticism. "If someone finds a social media influencer's content inappropriate or damaging to societal values, there are constitutional and moral ways to express concern—through counselling, constructive engagement, legal remedies, and community awareness. Taking the law into one's own hands or promoting violence goes completely against the spirit of Sikhism," the statement said.
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
Al Hekma International School Earns RAIL Endorsement for Ethical AI in Education
Al Hekma International School proudly announces that it has been officially awarded the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Learning (RAIL) Endorsement Certificate by MSA (Modern School of Advancement), recognizing the school's proactive commitment to ethical and responsible use of AI in education. This endorsement places Al Hekma among a growing network of educational institutions leading the way in implementing responsible AI to enhance teaching, learning, and school operations. Over the past six months, AHIS' faculty and leadership team have successfully completed a rigorous series of training sessions and assessments designed to align AI practices with globally accepted ethical standards. 'This endorsement is not just a certification, it is a reflection of our values,' said Mr. Mohanned Al Anni, Chairman of the Board of Directors. 'We believe in preparing our students for a future shaped by innovation, and that includes equipping them with the skills and ethical grounding to navigate the age of AI.' Ms. Rima Kaissi, Director of Development, added: 'At AHIS, we see AI not as a replacement, but as a tool to empower educators and learners. The RAIL endorsement reaffirms our commitment to digital transformation with purpose and integrity.' This milestone is part of the school's broader vision to deliver future-ready education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and ethical responsibility. As artificial intelligence continues to influence education worldwide, Al Hekma International School remains dedicated to ensuring that its students and teachers are not only AI-literate but also AI-responsible. Al Hekma International School was founded in 1985 and is a co-educational school fully accredited by two worldwide recognized accreditation institutes (MSA and Cognia) in the US. They offer both an American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
