Manganese-related Malfunction — The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has awarded Dr. Michael Aschner nearly $1 million over two years to support his ongoing research into manganese’s impact on the nervous system and its possible role in Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). This neurological disorder causes an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs and affects approximately 10 percent of Americans. While environmental exposure to manganese correlates with manganese brain levels, it has yet to be determined if manganese plays a role in this disease. Dr. Aschner hopes to find whether manganese plays a role in causing RLS and, if it does, to devise therapies to minimize the metal’s effects. Dr. Aschner is professor of molecular pharmacology, of neuroscience and of pediatrics. He holds the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Molecular Pharmacology.
Posted on: Monday, June 09, 2014