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FPWR Blog

Young Investigators Internship Program: Funding for 2014 Complete!

Just a few short weeks ago, we shared with you the amazing story of Ariana Garagozzo, an aspiring PWS researcher and sister to a young man with PWS. We are pleased to announce that funding for the 2014 Young Investigators Internship Program is comple...

Topics: Research

Optogenetics: a new research tool in understanding the neurobiology underlying PWS behaviors

It’s likely that improper development and/or function of neurons throughout different regions of the brain contributes to many of the characteristics of PWS, including hyperphagia, anxiety, OCD behaviors, sleep disturbances, and temper outbursts. How...

Topics: Research

Potential for a future prenatal therapy for autism

A recent publication in Science raises a number of interesting questions regarding the potential for prenatal and perinatal (newborn) therapies in the prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This type of treatment would be a decad...

Topics: Research

The gut-brain connection: bacteria naturally carried in the gut may influence brain chemistry and behavior

Those with PWS often battle a variety of gastro-intestinal (GI) issues. Beyond general GI function and quality of life, there is a growing field of research exploring how GI composition and health is intricately connected to other systems in the body...

Topics: Research

An Improved Model of PWS: Generous Donation Allows Development of an Improved Rat Model

While the genetic engineering of mouse models has allowed scientists to successfully understand and develop new therapies for many genetic diseases, the PWS mouse models generated so far have not fully mimicked the complexity of human PWS, slowing th...

Topics: Research

Our Daughter Constantly Surprises Us and Exceeds Our Expectations

In the summer of 1999, Mark Roth and Lauren Schwartz-Roth of Seattle, WA were expecting their first child with great anticipation. However, during the pregnancy, Lauren noticed decreased fetal movement, and when the doctor confirmed that the baby was...

Topics: Stories of Hope

Clinical Trials 2014 What You Need to Know - Webinar Summary

Over 450 excited parents and community members registered for the Clinical Trials Webinar January 19th. Theresa Strong and Jennifer Miller outlined an overview of the drug development process, discussed what you can expect when you participate in a c...

Topics: Research

Zafgen's Research into Weight Loss Drug, Beloranib, Looks Promising

Zafgen announced in November results of a completed Phase 2 study of their obesity drug, Beloranib, in severely obese patients (non-pws). Findings from the study demonstrated significant weight loss in 147 obese individuals over a 12 weeks of treatme...

Topics: Research

Long Term GH Therapy Improved Body Composition

Recent research out of Italy, reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, highlights the potential benefits of long-term growth hormone (GH) therapy in adults with PWS. The study, involving 15 obese adults with PWS treated with ...

Topics: Research