Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Algae

Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center are looking at a potential link that connects Lou Gehrig’s disease and algae. Lou Gehrig’s disease “attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.”

While studies are still preliminary and additional research is needed, the preliminary thought is that the disease could be triggered by algae in the water. One source says that “certain algae blooms produce a neurotoxin that may trigger the disease. The blue-green algae can be fatal to animals and should be avoided.” Researchers note that this algae is extremely rare.

Image: sxc.hu.