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"Absolute breakthrough": New hope in search for Motor Neurone Disease cure

Melbourne researchers are one step closer to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease, with the help technology and stem cell research. Scientists at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health have developed a world-first technology that will speed up the drug testing process to help find an effective treatment and maybe even a cure for the disease. New machines at the institute can now help determine whether drugs on the market could be used to treat MND in just weeks, a process which previously took decades. "This is an absolute breakthrough, it's at the cutting edge of technology," Florey MND researcher Professor Brad Turner said. Animal cells were previously used to test the efficacy of MND drugs, but now thanks to more than 100 MND patients who donated their skin cells to the institute, researchers have a library of stem cells to work with. The human stem cells can provide scientists with the full scope of the disease, something that they were previously unable to do with just animal cells. "This is really a game-changer in that we can use their own cells, and we can test drugs directly on their own cells," Florey MND researcher and neurologist Dr Thanuja Dharmadasa said. Large scale screening will commence thanks to a $5 million grant from the Australian Medical Research Future Fund. The research is expected to help people like Phil Camden who has been living with the disease for 10 years. "That's the key to all of us living with MND... we want to do what we can while we can," Camden said. "We know we're not doing it to find a cure for us. We're doing it for those in the future, my grandkids and their children." Scientists believe that medication or a cocktail of drugs tailored specifically to a patient is the way forward when it comes to treating the disease. "Therefore your drug treatments are tailed back to the clinical makeup in the dish and we call that personalised medical treatment," Turner said. Image: Nine News

Caring

"Rest in love": All Blacks legend and Dancing with the Stars winner dies at 55

The sports and entertainment communities are mourning the loss of former All Blacks hooker and Dancing with the Stars winner Norm Hewitt, who has passed away at the age of 55. Hewitt, a beloved figure both on and off the rugby field, succumbed to a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement. "Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally," his family shared. "He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future." Hewitt leaves behind his wife Arlene and their two children, Elizabeth and Alexander. Born and raised in Pōrangahau, southern Hawke’s Bay, Hewitt's rugby career was nothing short of illustrious. Over 13 seasons, he played 296 representative matches for Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Wellington, earning 23 caps for the All Blacks. Hewitt was also a pivotal member of the Hurricanes during the formative years of Super Rugby, missing only one match in the first five years. The rugby community has been profoundly affected by Hewitt's passing. Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "I’m just devastated finding out the news today. I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle. No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates. Rest in Love, Normy." Beyond his rugby career, Hewitt transitioned into a public speaker and mentor, focusing heavily on violence prevention programmes and advocacy. He worked with the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer, visiting schools to spread his message. In 2005, Hewitt showcased his versatility by winning the first season of Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Carol-Ann Hickmore. Hewitt's life was not without its struggles. In 1999, he made a public apology for a drunken incident in Queenstown, marking a turning point as he renounced alcohol and dedicated himself to helping others facing similar challenges. The outpouring of tributes was immediate, with The All Blacks expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington. Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.” Podcaster Martin Devlin shared his personal experience: “RIP Norm Hewitt. Not a lot of people know how kind & generous this man was. A truly wonderful person. Reached out to me and helped me considerably a long time ago when things were very rough. Love & respect.” Richard Hills echoed the sentiments of many: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young. He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.” Norm Hewitt’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Image: Radio New Zealand

Caring

"I'm a prisoner in my own body": Rob Burrow's heartbreaking last message

An emotional final message from rugby legend Rob Burrow has been released in the days after his death. The former footballer <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rugby-league-hero-dies-at-just-41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 41 on Sunday after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, with his former club, the Leeds Rhinos, sharing the news of his passing. Before he died, Burrow was involved in the making of a documentary about his life by the BBC, titled There's Only One Burrow, only agreeing to appear in the program on the condition it only be used after his death. In the documentary, Burrow spoke of how the cruel disease impacted his life and how he hoped to raise awareness for MND research. "I want to live in a world free of MND. By the time you watch this I will no longer be here," he said in the video. "In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BBC SPORT (@bbcsport)</a> </div> </blockquote> His pre-recorded final words were shown to his friends and family on screen, reacting to his words. "I'm a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath," he said. "I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home." Recalling his diagnosis, he said, "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them." In an emotional segment of the widow, Burrow's wife Lindsey spoke of how she learnt of her husband's devastating disease. "I remember that moment being told it's not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said 'thank god it's me and not the kids'. That's all he was bothered about," she recalled. When asked about his children, Burrow became emotional, saying, "I had no idea how my family would cope. They've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours." "I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them." Burrows finishes the piece, saying. "As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this." "I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration." "My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it." "Every single day is precious. Don't waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out." Image credits: BBC

Caring

Rugby League hero dies at just 41

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. The British footballer spent his career with the Leeds Rhinos and helped them win eight Super League titles, and while he never played in Australia, he won the World Club Challenge over NRL opponents three times. Just two years after his retirement in 2017, Burrows was diagnosed with MND. Despite his rapidly progressing condition, Burrows stayed in the public eye to raise money and awareness for MND, and soon became the face of the fight against the disease in the UK. He worked with former teammate Kevin Sinfield to raise millions for a new care centre for MND patients, as the pair competed in <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/terminally-ill-rugby-player-carried-across-marathon-finish-line-by-his-best-mate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marathons</a> today, with Sinfield often pushing Burrow the entire way. His former football club announced Burrow’s death on Sunday, just one day before the groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital, which will go ahead at his request. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” the club said. “Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND. He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more." “The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob." “For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something. He just found his way of doing it better than anyone else." “He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity. We must dare to dream.” Prince William, who awarded Burrow with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour in January 2024, was among those to mourn his death on social media. “A legend of rugby league, Rob Burrow had a huge heart,” he wrote. “He taught us ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’. Catherine and I send our love." Burrow is survived by wife Lindsey and their three children Macy, Maya and Jackson. Image credits: SplashNews.com/Matt West/BPI/Phil Noble-Reuters/POOL supplied by Splash News/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Woman fined after paid car park gets set up around her parked vehicle

Josephine Williams had been leaving her car in a gravel clearing at Westgate in Auckland, alongside other commuters to catch the bus into the city for months. The New Zealand woman was left with a "nasty surprise" when she returned from work on Monday to find a NZ $85 ($77) fine sitting on her windshield. "To my unfortunate surprise - and many others - I was greeted by an $85 parking ticket for a breach and a flyer from Wilson Parking saying paid parking had started that day," Williams told Stuff. "But what breach exactly was made? How was I supposed to know paid parking started that day when there was nothing at all displayed anywhere in the car park?" Williams claimed that the Wilson Parking car park had been set up around her already parked car, even providing dash cam footage that showed her pulling into the gravel clearing at 7.45am, with no paid parking signs or Wilson branding in sight. By 6pm, a large red and white Wilson sign had been put up at the entrance, with "12 hours for $4" written on it. "Wilson deliberately put their sign up sometime after 9am and then took it upon themselves to fine every single car that was already parked there from the morning," Williams said. "$85 is a lot of money - it would have been two weeks' worth of grocery shopping for me," she added. "I'm lucky that I know the law and my rights, but some other people might not. What about students or the elderly or people who don't know English well?" She estimated that there was usually around 50 and 100 cars in the gravel clearing. Wilson argued that the carpark was always there and they had just added more signage, but have since waived Williams' fine after she lodged a request to have it reviewed by Parking Enforcement Services. Wilson Parking also said that they had started to set up the car park and installed a "clear signage" on April 22. "It was not set up around parked cars on 29 April as suggested," a Wilson spokesperson said. "Several payments were made by customers via the Parkmate app from 22 April proving that signage on the site was clear and effective," they said. They added that on April 29 more signs were added to all entry points of the car park. "In acknowledgment of the increased signage added on the 29th at the entry we've made the decision to refund all payments made until 30 April and waive any breach notices issued up to this date." They also denied issuing any breach notices before the signs were put up. "Payment options were available and signed from 22 April - but no infringement notices were issued prior to the 29th." Images: Stuff

Legal

Why Mr Bean is being blamed for decreasing electric vehicle sales

Rowan Atkinson has been blamed for a decrease in electric car sales, with a "damaging" article being debunked in the House of Lords. The actor and comedian, who is also a well-known car enthusiast, wrote an article for The Guardian, claiming he felt "duped" by electric vehicles, saying they aren't as eco-friendly as they are often portrayed. Atkinson says the problem with the vehicles' sustainable marketing focuses on just one part of the car’s operating life: what comes out of the exhaust pipes and ignores other elements such as the manufacturing and the mining of rare earth minerals, shipping and building of the batteries. These claims, and the article itself, have been addressed by the UK's House of Lords, with politicians blaming the story for a decrease in electric vehicle sales. UK think tank the Green Alliance says, “One of the most damaging articles was a comment piece written by Rowan Atkinson in The Guardian which has been roundly debunked.” Other deterrents identified by the committee were the high purchase price and insufficient charging infrastructure. Social media users were quick to take Atkinson's side in the debate, with one person writing on X, “If Rowan Atkinson is responsible, then give him a knighthood.” Another user says, “Rowan Atkinson with a degree and masters in Engineering. Knows more than those pushing electric cars.” "Apparently it's Mr Bean's fault for the poor take up of electric cars. Cancel him," another said. For the last 12 months, high power costs in the UK have meant that fast charging your electric car can be more expensive than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. The UK is planning to ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035, despite the slip in sales. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Five things to keep in your car's glove box

Whether it’s a long drive to visit family or a quick trip to the local shopping centre, your car should always be equipped with a few essential items. Does your car have all of these items? While many of today’s new cars feature the latest gadgets and technologies for comfort and safety, many don’t come with other useful everyday items which are vital in case of emergency or an unforseen event. For example, a flashlight would come in handy if you need to change a tyre in the evening or an in-car phone charger for when your battery has gone flat. By storing these types of essential items in your glove box, you’ll always be prepared for when life takes an unexpected turn. 1. Important documents wallet One item that should always be stored away in the glove box is a plastic folder or wallet with your vehicle documents, such as owner’s manual, emergency contact numbers and proof of insurance. A spare pen and paper will also come in handy. The owner’s manual should always be left in the car so you never lose it and should be the first point of reference for when experiencing car trouble. 2. Plastic bags and tissues You would be surprised at the number of times you’ll need a plastic bag or some tissues. There could be a spill, a car mess or a passenger may not be feeling well. All good reasons for keeping a few plastic bags handy. The same can be said for tissues or wet wipes, which will be useful if your hands get greasy from having to change a tyre or lift up the hood of the car to check the oil and water levels. 3. First aid kit Always a good inclusion no matter where you go. A basic first aid kit can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Along with the basic contents, such as bandages, antiseptic cream or solution, and a pair of tweezers, make sure you include any items specific to you. If your first aid kit won’t fit in the glove box, pop it under the front passenger seat so it’s easily accessible, if needed. 4. Torch For long trips, it’s a good idea to have a torch stowed away. You never know when you might need to change a tyre or inspect your vehicle for unusual sounds that might occur whilst driving at night. A small LED flashlight would do the trick – and remember to keep a spare pack of batteries in the glove box too. 5. Mobile phone charger Back in the days before we all had mobile phones, we actually remembered phone numbers! However, nowadays, many of us have these important digits stored away in our phones. This makes having a spare phone charger very important, especially when you need to contact someone and your phone has run out of battery. There are phone car charges which you can plug into the power outlet in your car to then charge the battery on your mobile phone. Image: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Son's first dance with mum suffering from motor neurone disease

An emotional wedding video of a wheelchair-bound mother severely affected by motor neurone disease (MND) dancing with her eldest son on his big day has gone viral, with people describing the moment as both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. Kathy Poirer was watching her eldest son Zak get married in a moving ceremony in their native Florida. Despite being unable to walk, Kathy, with the help of her other two children, was able to dance with her eldest child on his big day. The moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, as Kathy said the dance was a dream come true. “I just really wanted that moment with my son,” Poirer told Sunrise. “There are so many milestones in their life and you look forward to them and I was afraid I wouldn’t have that opportunity." “It truly is an expression of a mother and her son and their love for each other.” Kathy was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago, and has bravely fought the diagnosis and challenged the odds against her ever since. “I prayed every day that I would make it long enough to dance with him, and I fight every day for my life,” she said. Motor neurone disease is a condition that affects the body’s brain and the nerve cells called motor neurones. According to <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/what-is-motor-neurone-disease-mnd" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">MND Australia:</a> “Motor neurones normally carry messages from the brain to the muscles via the spinal cord. The messages allow people to make voluntary movements like walking, swallowing, talking and breathing." There is currently no cure for MND, and the condition is known to drastically reduce life expectancy. Kathy is devoting the rest of her life to bringing awareness to this devastating disease, while encouraging people not to take life for granted. “What I wanted to do was make people aware that this can happen to you in a heartbeat and just live every moment to the fullest - you never know when it’s gonna get taken away,” she said. Image credits: Sunrise

Caring

Kennedy and Ford's former estate hits the market

A gorgeous mid-18th century mansion previously owned by Henry Ford II has hit the market for £18.75 million ($33 million). Henry Ford II, the grandson of the founder of the Ford Motor Company, is one of the few famous people who have lived in the stunning two-storey estate known as Turville Grange. He purchased the home from former US President John F Kennedy’s sister-in-law, Princess Lee Radziwill in 1974. Among those who have lived in the beautiful home are President Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - Radziwill’s sister, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Michael Caine The five-bedroom home located just an hour away from London has been constantly renovated over the years to help create an “ideal family home”. Boasting a lavish lifestyle, the estate has four reception rooms, a beautiful marble kitchen, luxurious bedrooms, and offices to work in. To get to the backyard is one walks under a covered walkway to the courtyard where there is a one bedroom apartment perfect for staff or guests with its own kitchen and bathroom. Outside also includes a swimming pool for a cheeky dip during the warmer weather, a spa, as well as a gym. Images: Knight Frank

Real Estate

Study finds dancing to music can slow progression of Parkinson’s disease

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49, J.M. Tolani’s life was thrown upside down. He had to quit his job as a photojournalist and learn to cope with a new physical and emotional struggle. “I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Everything felt like it came to a standstill. My life was altogether changed,” he said to WebMD. He was then introduced to a unique program called Dance for PD, which was recommended to him by a member of a support group he attended. Dance for PD is a specialised dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and care partners. The company was founded in 2001, with program director David Leventhal saying the program is designed to inspire. “[I] wanted to commit energy and time to working with people with Parkinson’s and sharing what we had learned with teaching artists around the world,” he says. After attending classes, Tolani felt his condition, and his emotional state, improve drastically. “I found I could move, and the dancing seemed to provide a replacement for the dopamine lost in the brain. Dancing motivates me and makes me happy, flexible, and mobile,” Tolani says. Tolani’s claims have been backed up by scientific research that shows individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s had the progression of the disease slowed down by participating in regular dancing. Senior investigator Joseph DeSouza PhD said, “The classes were very beneficial for these individuals with PD, and we know that dance activates brain areas, even in people without PD.” Following an in-depth study, research showed that those with a mild condition who danced for an hour per week had a slower loss of their motor neuron function to those who didn’t. Tolani was able to return to his passion for photography, as he continues to move to the beat. “I take three to four classes a week, and they allow me to get out and meet people and interact with them. They put me in a good, positive state of mind,” he says. “I wake up and look forward to enjoying myself, and dancing with others in the Parkinson’s community, where I feel I’m allowed to completely be myself.” Image credit: Shutterstock

Music

New study offers hope to those with motor neurone disease

Motor neurone disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a rare condition that slowly kills off nerve cells in the brain and spine, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Though currently incurable, <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/3/3/fcab166/6340444" target="_blank">a new study</a> may have brought us closer to finding one. Scientists have taken lab samples of one form of ALS and been able to reverse one of the hallmark biological abnormalities the disease introduces in cells. Although this is yet to be applied in other forms of the disease or in human beings, the finding represents a large step forward in understanding how ALS could be combatted, providing some hope that the disease could one day be beaten. What the study found The researchers found that three RNA binding proteins, which help regulate RNA, get stuck in the wrong place for most people with ALS. Instead of staying in the motor neuron nucleus, they end up in the surrounding cytoplasm. The team then found that blocking a particular enzyme, called VCP, was able to reverse this in their human cell samples and return the distribution of RNA binding proteins in the nucleus and cytoplasm back to normal. According to the scientists, this suggests that this enzyme becomes mutated and overactive in some cases of ALS. “Demonstrating proof-of-concept for how a chemical can reverse one of the key hallmarks of ALS is incredibly exciting,” said Jasmine Harley, a neuroscientist from the Francis Crick Institute in the UK. “We showed this worked on three key RNA binding proteins, which is important as it suggests it could work on other disease phenotypes too.” The drug they used to inhibit the enzyme is also being tested in cancer trials, which could speed up its development and availability if it is found to help cancer patients and ALS patients. In a second study, published in the journal <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awab078/6164957" target="_blank">Brain</a>, the same researchers found over 100 types of RNA fragments, called intron-retaining transcripts, which can also move from the nucleus of cells into the cytoplasm in ALS cases. The researchers found that these fragments have sequences that bind to the RNA binding proteins, and they suspect these sequences are drawing the proteins out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1f84fdb6755a48e884e50245585f3db4" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 433.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843072/gettyimages-1129371731.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1f84fdb6755a48e884e50245585f3db4" /> Image: Getty Images “To imagine what’s going on here we can consider watching a movie at the cinema,” neuroscientist Jacob Neeves explained. “Typically, we don’t expect to see adverts throughout the film, but, if something goes wrong these ads might start cropping up at odd and unexpected points. These retained introns are a little bit like these abnormal ad breaks.” Why this matters Though only 1-2 percent of ALS cases have the mutated enzyme the scientists found in the first study, both pieces of research add to our understanding of motor neurone disease. This additional information offers new hope that scientists could eventually figure out how to undo some of the damage that the disease causes to the brain and nervous system. “More research is needed to investigate this further,” Harley said. “We need to see if this might reverse other pathological hallmarks of ALS and also, in other ALS disease models.”

Mind

Hospitalised driver cops fine after dodging flying couch

A driver has been handed a hefty fine after he reportedly swerved his car because a couch fell from a truck travelling in front of him. Jake Singer was driving with his girlfriend from Boca Raton, in the US state of Florida, on February 20 when a couch from a truck fell in front of him, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Mr Singer swerved and flipped his car to avoid the couch. He and his girlfriend were both hospitalised as a result of the accident. Mr Singer told the Sun-Sentinel. People "could not believe" he and his partner were okay. However Mr Singer is not happy after he copped a fine over the crash. He told reporters a police officer arrived at the hospital to give him the ticket. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840155/driver.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/eda143eb9d7a4df3970552ec552ad352" /> Image: Twitter “TIL (today I learned) that if you swerve to avoid a flying couch on I-95N in FL [Florida], make sure not to change lanes or you’ll get a citation for improper lane change from FL Hwy Patrol [Florida Highway Patrol],” he tweeted. “Even if your car crashes into the median and flips over, totalled. (We’re both fine, somehow).” According to the paper, a police officer gave Mr Singer a US$166 (A$213) ticket for “failing to drive in a single lane”. Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Yanko Reyes said the ticket had to be issued. “Remember, in Florida it is recommended to have at least a two-vehicle length between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you because that way you have enough time to react in case something like this happens, in case somebody brakes, in case debris falls on the roadway, you’re able to avoid any and all difficulties,” he told the Sun-Sentinel. The explanation didn’t sit well with Mr Singer, who took to Twitter to write: “I hereby challenge Lt Reyes to drive two car lengths behind a flying couch at 80mph (128k/h) and avoid it without leaving your lane. “Hope you have enough time to look at the totality of the circumstances.”

Legal

What she thought was RSI turned out to be a fatal disease

A terminally ill woman has shared the heartbreaking moment she was told she had a motor neurone disease at 29 - after assuming the symptoms were originally just a repetitive strain injury. Jo Knowlton, 30, says she was told the devastating news in late 2019 after going to the doctors when she struggled to use her hands properly. The once-was fitness lover had been test-driving a car when she found she wasn’t able to turn on the ignition. A month later she found her problem had only worsened as she was now struggling to button shirts and use zips. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.3504823151126px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836584/daily-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c1dbaf8d3c3343908a1330e2e8fbd31b" /> “By March, I noticed that I couldn’t close my fingers together and was starting to struggle with the handbrake on my car, as well as buttons and zips, so I decided to visit my GP, I felt like a bit of a hypochondriac to be honest,” she said. “After showing her my hands she thought it might be repetitive strain injury or a trapped nerve.” In August 2019, she began to receive tests and was admitted to hospital where possible causes were ruled out time and time again - unfortunately her optimism and hope that she was healthy was short lived. “I had no idea it was terminal, without available treatment or a cure,” she admitted. “I was waiting in the hospital for my result, the doctors were doing their morning rounds but no one would come near me. “The neurologist eventually came and walked me to a side room. He sat me down and said ‘it’s not good news I’m afraid, you have motor neurone disease’. “My initial reaction was ‘so what now, what treatment do I start, what do we need to do next?’ “I had no idea it was terminal, without available treatment or a cure. “I was devastated. I felt fine and I didn’t understand how this could be the conclusion. “I thought I had my whole life ahead of me but now I was faced with being told I had a terminal illness aged 29.” Jo is the youngest person in her region to have been diagnosed with the disease. Her daily habits and routine has changed completely. Jo says she used to start her day at 5 am to go for a run with her dog, and then walk to the gym before work. Now she struggles to walk down the steps of her flat. “I really miss just walking for miles and miles with my dog. Some weeks I would have done 100,000 steps. I now struggle to walk to my car,” she said. Jo added: “No one knows what causes it. “It can be genetic but it can also be sporadic. That’s what mine is, incredibly bad luck.” There is no treatment for MND, but Jo had been scheduled to take part in drug trials that have since been postponed due to coronavirus.

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Which of these two vehicles has to give way?

Which of these two vehicles has to giveaway? If you answered the blue car, you are correct. As the driver of the blue car is turning left using a slip lane, they must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right or turning right at the intersection into the road the blue car is entering.

Insurance

Car almost flips onto roof as another vehicle merges into its lane

Merging into another lane in peak hour traffic can sometimes be a difficult task, and one video taking on a busy road in Sydney has shown us exactly how not to do it. The footage, which was captured on a busy Sydney road and posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DashCamOwnersAustralia/" target="_blank">Dash Cam Owners Australia</a> is as perplexing as it is worrying, and both drivers involved in the incident were quick to point the finger of blame at the other party. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDashCamOwnersAustralia%2Fvideos%2F1731624303563869%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Hundreds of commenters have had their say on the incident. “Whether indicator on or not, you can not merge until it is 100 per cent clear to do, so merging driver must ensure it is safe to merge. Even a 10 year old kid knows that,” one man wrote. Amazingly, the woman in the vehicle involved came across the video and commented on the post. “This is going to help so much with the insurance process,' she wrote. “I was the one the lady hit and she even has the nerve to blame me like it was my fault! She said ‘I indicated and you had enough space for me to merge in front of you.’ She didn't even stop or come back just continued driving like nothing happened.” Road rules in New South Wales state that merging motorists must give way to vehicles in the lane they are tyring to move into. “Before changing lane, signal in plenty of time and check for other vehicles by looking in your mirrors and your blind spot,” the rule book states. What are your thoughts? Who do you think is in the wrong? Image credit: Facebook / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DashCamOwnersAustralia/" target="_blank">Dash Cam Owners Australia</a>

Insurance

Why did Stephen Hawking live so long?

Stephen Hawking was just 21 years old when he was told he’d only have two years to live. But it wasn’t until earlier this week that he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2018/03/stephen-hawking-has-died-aged-76/">died at the age of 76</a>. The world-renowned physicist, cosmologist and author of A Brief History of Time, defied incredible odds by living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over five decades. The average survival rate for people with the motor-neuron disease is two to five years from the time of diagnosis, making Hawking’s long life a mystery of medicine. Prof Tissa Wijeratne, who leads the neuroscience research unit at Melbourne’s Western Hospital, told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/medical-miracle-stephen-hawking-was-certainly-an-outlier/news-story/14d697c10cfa790b8e5d6f5ba3807471">news.com.au</a> neurology and disorders affecting the brain and nerves is a “fascinating specialty”. “On average many folks with ALS live a few years from the diagnosis,” he said. “There are people who live for a long long time too. This is due to the amazing variability of how this disorder affects different human bodies.” He added: “There are variants of ALS that progress very, very slowly: PMA or progressive muscular atrophy is one such example.” “These patients can live for a long long time.” Leo McCluskey, an associate professor of neurology and medical director of the ALS Center at the University of Pennsylvania, <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stephen-hawking-als/">told the Scientific American </a>that life expectancy was down to two things. “The first thing is motor neurons running the diaphragm — the breathing muscles,” he said. “So the common way people die is of respiratory failure. And the other thing is the deterioration of swallowing muscles, and that can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. “If you don’t have these two things, you could potentially live for a long time — even though you’re getting worse. “What happened to him is just astounding. He was certainly an outlier.” Dr. Lucie Bruijn, the ALS Association's chief scientist in the US, said, "We wish we knew because that would give us clues to treatment.” "His lifespan is exceptional. I think there are few — I certainly don't know of any others — that have had such a long lifespan,” he added.

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Woman stunned by abusive "typed" note left on her parked car

Coming back from the shops to find an abusive note left on your parked car is something that’s happed to all of us (or at least someone we know) at least once. But even then, we bet you’ve never seen an abusive note like this one. When Auckland woman Jo Clarke spotted the note below on her vehicle after a spot of shopping she couldn’t believe her eyes, not so much due to the letter’s content, but the fact that the writer had gone to the trouble of printing it out. “A nice little note was left for me at Shore City car park. I was even within my white lines! Must have been an ex boy/girl scout,” she told <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/" target="_blank">NZ Herald</a>. “Thanks for parking so close. Next time leave a f***ing can opener so I can get out. A**holes like you should take the bus,” <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/" target="_blank">NZ Herald reports</a> the note read. Clarke <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/" target="_blank">told NZ Herald</a> she was in the white lines, and saw the humour in the incident. “It was a narrow space that I reversed three times to leave space on either side and was within the white lines. “I thought it was advertising at first. The card was popped inside my driver’s window facing inward. “I was just more surprised someone had typed cards on hand waiting for someone to cross them. “No one has ever called me an a**hole before so I thought that was quite empowering and funny. “I do have a nice new work car so they might have been a bit annoyed about that, too.” What are your thoughts? Do you think leaving a not on a stranger’s car is ever justified?

News

8 common driving habits that are damaging your car

It’s fair to say they don’t make cars like they used to, but sometimes we don’t do ourselves any favours as drivers. From the moment we first sit behind the wheel we start picking up bad habits, many of which are actually damaging your car. We’ve put together a list of eight common driving habits that are damaging your vehicle. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. Have you picked up any of these common driving habits?

Retirement Income

Cat has priceless reaction to ride in all-terrain vehicle

We all have different reactions to trying something new or going on an exciting adventure, but we think this curious kitty’s hilarious facial expressions take the cake. Lysanne Adams of Quebec, Canada, recorded her red coat-clad cat’s reaction to her first-ever ride in an all-terrain vehicle, and what she caught on camera is utterly priceless. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nMMGxjSmLE8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Somy the cat simply can’t believe her eyes as she and her owner hurtle through the snow, delivering one expression in particular that we can’t get enough of. <img width="399" height="622" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36043/image_.jpg" alt="Image_ (235)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> That’s the face of a kitty whose mind has just been blown.

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What she thought was RSI turned out to be a fatal disease

Which of these two vehicles has to give way?

Car almost flips onto roof as another vehicle merges into its lane

Why did Stephen Hawking live so long?

Woman stunned by abusive "typed" note left on her parked car

8 common driving habits that are damaging your car

Cat has priceless reaction to ride in all-terrain vehicle