Nanoscale research to lead to new MS medications?

New nanoscale research could lead to novel detection, diagnosis and treatment techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS), possibly helping those with the condition dependant on home care.

Research published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences involves using nanotechnology to study the myelin sheath which is a membrane surrounding nerves, which is compromised in those with MS.

Researcher Jacob Israelchvili, of the University of California - Santa Barbara, said: "Myelin membranes are a class of biological membranes that are only two molecules thick, less than one millionth of a millimetre."

Meanwhile, sexual dysfunction drug Viagra could dramatically reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study published in journal Acta Neuropathologica.

Viagra was found to lessen the symptoms of MS in animal models with the condition, with an almost complete recovery being observed in around half of all models after eight days of treatment.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.