General practitioners will be able to refer patients for MRI scans of their knees and suspected multiple sclerosis from the first day of next year.

John Hopkins researchers are encouraged by results of a study using a process called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan the layers of nerve fibers of the retina. The 5 minute procedure could provide a more cost effective way of tracking progression in multiple sclerosis patients.

You knew it was coming didn’t you? Two days ago we had a story that gave smoking a pass when it came to MS progression.  Seems another study finds a definite correlation.

A two year study involving a new formulation of Rebif reported a marked increase in injection tolerability. The new formulation was approved by the European Commision in August and will be available to patients in the UK by early 2008.

An earlier study implicated smoking in the devolopment and progression of multiple sclerosis, but a new analysis finds no evidence to support the previous conclusion.

Researchers are working to perfect a new technique for re-growing myelin that has been damaged in mice with the progressive form of an  animal model that simulates multiple sclerosis.  The hope is to refine the technique with enough success to enable a human trial.

It’s pleasure to link you to the next story. I wish all of you could know this remarkable man. He is an inspiration to those of us who do. If you read his story pay special attention to the last paragraph in which Ron summarizes his philosophy.

I appreciated this story and the writer’s telling of it. One could write volumes about Ron and I would just like to add a bit about the fullness of Ron’s life.

As the writer pointed out Ron likes to entertain. He has poker events, plays cribbage, goes out for different things such as a monthly breakfast for men who have MS, goes to Minnesota Twins games, and plays fantasy baseball. And those are just some of the things I know about!

Ron is engaged in life and all of his friends are richer for knowing him. Click the link to read a story about Ron.

Israeli researchers report successful results  training MS patients to stabilize walking performance by using a virtual reality system .

Microsoft is offering a free 2 CD set with tools and tutorials for making your computer easier to see, hear, and operate. Get yours by clicking here.

A small study and observational evidence indicate that stopping Tysabri mi9ht result in an increase in MS lesions. The study is too small to be definitive but does emphasize the importance of consulting with your doctor before stopping this or any other medication designed to reduce MS disease activity.