David Kumbroch
Southern Region
Professional nerd.
Tracking #copolitics. Formerly #alpolitics.
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Articles by David Kumbroch
Targets to Therapies Initiative’s Community-Driven Approach Detailed in Paper
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), with input from experts in drug discovery, biotech investment and academic spaces, authored a paper for npj Parkinson's Disease outlining the in-depth selection process for its Targets to Therapies Initiative — showcasing MJFF’s robust approach to prioritizing new therapy targets outside of the most explored, like alpha synuclein and LRRK2.
New Parkinson’s Therapy Resubmitted to FDA for Consideration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be re-reviewing ND0612, a 24-hour, under-the-skin infusion of liquid levodopa/carbidopa, with a decision expected by the end of 2025. ND0612 previously went before the FDA, but it received what is known as a “Complete Response Letter” in 2024, requiring the drugmaker behind the therapy to address certain concerns before the FDA would reconsider approving.
Coalition Charts Path for Therapies That Slow or Stop Parkinson's
While Parkinson’s disease (PD) research has generated a number of treatments aimed at treating symptoms of the disease, primarily by addressing dopamine shortages in the brain, there are currently no known treatments that stop the disease from progressing. Existing therapies treat motor symptoms like tremor and dyskinesia and non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood changes and trouble with memory.
New Estimate Suggests 25 Million People with Parkinson’s by 2050
Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts millions of people all over the globe—but knowing just how many people have the disease remains a big challenge. There are no universal reporting requirements for PD, either in the United States or the international community, meaning scientists need to put significant resources into estimating the number of cases.
FDA Approves New Infusion-based Treatment for Parkinson’s
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved AbbVie’s Vyalev, an infusion-based Parkinson’s treatment that is shown to increase “on” time (when symptoms are well controlled) by providing a continuous source of levodopa/carbidopa. The innovation here lies in how the medication is delivered: through a continuous pump, much like the one used by people who receive insulin therapy for diabetes.
MJFF launches program to expedite development of LRRK2-targeted therapies and biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is embarking on a major new initiative to rapidly expedite development of therapeutic strategies targeting LRRK2. Called the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE), the program, which will include tens of millions of dollars of grant support, focuses on bridging basic science advances to industry-led drug development.
Why Diversity Matters in Parkinson’s Research
Parkinson’s disease affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders as well as many age groups. However, while Parkinson’s affects people universally, it does not affect them all in the same ways. Each individual with PD presents a unique combination of symptoms, but we are also learning they present with a unique combination of biology as well. MJFF’s mission is clear — a world without Parkinson’s disease. To do this we must find treatments that can prevent the onset of disease.
News in Context: Study Links Playing Football with Increased Odds of Parkinson’s Disease
A recent study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association's (JAMA) Network Open describes a connection between playing American football and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) or a related parkinsonism (i.e., disorders that cause symptoms similar to PD, such as tremor and slowness). This research was conducted by a team at Boston University, using data collected by Fox Insight — an online study sponsored by The Michael J.
Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Conference Showcases Progress Toward Better Treatments
In order to make this article easier to read, we’ve included the affiliations of the speakers at the bottom of the article. The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) hosted the world’s only conference focused entirely on Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapeutics in New York City on October 13.
New Research Demonstrates Wireless Sensor Can Track Gait Disruption, Parkinson’s Progression at Home
Newly published research, partially funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), details a successful effort to track gait issues and the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a wireless sensor in the home. Disruptions in a person’s gait (the way they walk) create dangerous challenges for people with Parkinson’s.
Charges against Army reservist dropped in burglary case after Taking Action Investigation, new arrest made
This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - After a Taking Action Investigation that lasted upwards of three months, prosecutors have finally dropped burglary charges against Steven McDowell, an Army reservist who was arrested based on security footage from two burglaries with no other meaningful evidence against him. Now, police have arrested a new suspect in the case.
What do wolves owe dogs?
Posted on February 3rd, 2020 We welcome you to Tiny Expeditions, where we’ll take some little journeys into the tiny science of genetics, DNA and inheritance. Season One will focus on stories of morphology—the way animals look and the reasons behind it. Our guide for the season will be HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Faculty Chair Greg Barsh, MD, PhD, who is an expert in animal morphology. Our first little journey traces the evolutionary line that tracks from wolves to dogs.
Southeast Biotech Campus Fuels Entrepreneurs and Growing Ven
19 Nov, 2019 BY DAVID KUMBROCH, SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST How can two people start a biospecimen company to support healthcare researchers around the world? How can they take that biotech startup from a room with a door and two desks to a global company employing over 100 people? The process begins at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama.
Autism linked to gut bacteria in new study
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by a broad array of behaviors, including difficulty with communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Spectrum refers to the fact that people with autism show a wide variety of symptoms with the intensity of those symptoms differing from person to person. A new study from researchers at Caltech illustrates that the behaviors associated with ASD can be linked to the gut microbiome in mice.
A guide to how GMO’s and bioengineered foods get labeled
The United States Department of Agriculture announced standards for labeling bioengineered foods that will go into effect at the start of 2020, though companies may choose to adopt the labeling requirements earlier. For these labels, the term ‘bioengineered’ refers to food that people commonly call GMO’s. The labeling rules aim to inject a little more information into the shopping experience, letting you know when a food has either been bioengineered or includes a bioengineered ingredient.
Redstone Arsenal gains FBI lab that “changed the war on terror,” poised to become major FBI hub
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT) - In the wake of the Boston bombing, the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Devices Analytical Center, also known as TEDAC, deployed experts to analyze the carnage. In September 2015, Popular Science described it as a "little-known FBI lab" that "changed the war on terror." That center has a new home on Redstone Arsenal. The building is new, but the mission started back in 2003.
Jeb Bush suspends presidential campaign following South Carolina primary
This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. (Image Courtesy: Current/MGN Online) × Jeb Bush suspends presidential campaign following South Carolina primary (Image Courtesy: Current/MGN Online) (WHNT) – Jeb Bush told an audience in South Carolina that he is suspending his campaign for the presidency. Early returns had Bush polling in the single-digits in the South Carolina primary.
HudsonAlpha Researchers help create roadmap to understanding the sugarcane genome
Mapping out the genome of sugarcane just got a little bit easier, thanks to a paper published in Nature this July. Researchers at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology helped generate the tiling path, sequence samples and provide analysis of the complex plant. The findings were published in Nature on July 6, 2018. CIRAD’s Olivier Garsmeur is the lead author on the paper. Sugarcane is a pivotal crop, especially for biofuels, but its intricate genome makes it a mystery in many ways.
WATCH LIVE: Tornado Warning issued for Madison County, storm moving through Harvest/Toney area
Post by @whnt.
Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning terror attack in Huntsville, pledging support for ISIS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced Aziz Sayyed to 15 years in prison and a lifetime of supervision for plotting a terror attack in Huntsville. He also cannot travel outside of the United States. Sayyed pleaded guilty to federal charges in March. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 15 years and lifetime monitoring after the guilty plea. Sayyed was arrested in June 2017 after telling an undercover agent that he was interested in serving ISIS.
Auburn pitcher Casey Mize goes to Detroit Tigers at #1 overall in MLB draft
Courtesy: auburntigers.com × Auburn pitcher Casey Mize goes to Detroit Tigers at #1 overall in MLB draft Courtesy: auburntigers.com AUBURN, Ala. – The Detroit Tigers have selected Auburn ace Casey Mize as the #1 overall pick in the MLB draft. Mize posted an impressive 2.81 ERA over his career with the Auburn Tigers, racking up a 20-12 record. He also punched out 319 batters over just 262.1 innings, earning him an impressive 10.95 K/9. Mize is an Alabama native, hailing from Springville.
Lawsuit says Decatur doctor sexually assaulted patients, continues to practice
DECATUR, Ala. – A new civil lawsuit against Dr. Michael Dick, Alabama Medicine & Rheumatology, and a number of nurses that have not been identified yet alleges that the doctor used his practice to commit multiple sexual assaults and continues to practice despite being arrested on two counts of misdemeanor harassment related to the allegations. The lawsuit contains claims from six different women, all with similar stories of sexual assault by the doctor.
Huntsville Police find officer filmed striking man during arrest acted within policy
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A weekend arrest attracted attention on social media Sunday after a video appeared to show a Huntsville Police officer punching the person being arrested. On Monday, Huntsville Police announced its Internal Affairs Division has found officers acted within policy during the arrest of a man. A release from Huntsville Police notes that the video on social media only captured 44-seconds of a struggle they say lasted more than four minutes.
Cortez Mitchell gets consecutive life sentences for 2015 robbery, killing spree that stunned Decatur
DECATUR, Ala. – Cortez Mitchell was sentenced to multiple life sentences for his role in two murders and four robberies over the course of a 2015 weekend that shocked Decatur. Mitchell was sentenced to 20 years for each of the four robberies he was convicted of participating in, but those sentences will run concurrently, the Morgan County District Attorney’s Office told WHNT News 19. They say he was given two life sentences for the two killings, set to run consecutively.
New York student saves life just days after learning CPR at high school
NEW YORK — They are CPR heroes, albeit modest ones. Student Anthony Rosa Compres and his CPR teacher Oswaldo De La Cruz have both saved lives because they know what to do when a heart stops beating. “He is the bridge between the victim and 911 and he did a good job,” Oswaldo De La Cruz, the CPR teacher at International Community High School, told WPIX. As mandated by New York State law in 2015, all public high school seniors in New York City must learn CPR before graduation.
Roy Moore counter-sues accuser, claiming she defamed him, not the other way around
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Attorneys for Roy Moore filed an answer in the defamation suit against him, claiming Moore had the right to publicly defend himself during the campaign, that he’s not responsible for the public’s perception of accuser Leigh Corfman, and a counterclaim that it was Corfman that defamed him. Corfman told the Washington Post during Moore’s senate campaign that Moore sexually abused her when she was a 14-year-old girl and he was a 32-year-old assistant district attorney.
Bama football heads to White House to meet with President Trump, celebrate national title
WASHINGTON D.C. – The University of Alabama football team has a scheduled White House visit on Tuesday, celebrating their national title. The Crimson Tide beat the Georgia Bulldogs 26-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship in January, leading to their fifth White House visit since 2010.
Tarp donations needed in Limestone County to cover storm damage, plans being made for debris removal
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. – People need tarp donations to cover damaged homes and structures in the wake of strong storms that tore through Limestone County, along with much of the rest of the region, on Monday night. According to a Limestone County government twitter account, tarp donations will be collected at the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department. The department is located at 26850 Thach Road in Athens. Meanwhile, the Limestone County EMA is already distributing information about debris removal.
Damage assessment underway after tornado-warned storm forces its way through Russellville
RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. – A WHNT News 19 crew spotted a Waffle House sign strewn over power lines in Russellville Monday afternoon, just one of the more striking images of damage after a tornado-warned storm passed through the area. Crews will have to come out and survey the damage to determine a definitive cause. Meanwhile, business owners and community members are tallying up their losses. WHNT News 19 has crews working their way throughout the Valley, identifying areas hardest hit.
Apparent tornado in Falkville caught on camera
× Apparent tornado in Falkville caught on camera FALKVILLE, Ala. – We tracked a tornado-warned storm that went right through Falkville on Monday afternoon. Viewer Jon Cammon sent us video he says he captured around 6:30 p.m. just west of Falkville High School. Storm surveys will have to officially confirm, but it very much appears he caught a tornado on camera. We do want to remind all viewers to be safe as they attempt to capture video and images of dangerous storms. 34.366508 -86.912538
Feds break up gruesome plot, Decatur man pleads guilty to planning to kidnap and sell a child to a pimp
The details of this story are extraordinarily disturbing, describing a planned act of brutality toward a mother and child, we encourage ALL readers to reflect before and after reading the story. DECATUR, Ala. – Brian David “Blaze” Boersma, 48, pleaded guilty in federal court on charges related to a plot to kidnap a mother and child, with the stated intention of killing the mother and selling the 14-year-old daughter to a pimp in Memphis.
PHOTOS: Significant damage reported in Ardmore after tornado-warned storm
ARDMORE, Ala. – A tornado-warned storm moved through the far northern part of Madison County Monday evening, leaving serious damage in its wake. The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office got some pictures of the damage in the aftermath. WHNT News 19 has crews moving across the Valley, surveying damage and getting a sense of the scope of this severe weather event, which touched many of the counties in north Alabama. 34.984072 -86.839603
Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament! If you can’t watch, you can still keep up with this live blog
× Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament! If you can’t watch, you can still keep up with this live blog Day 1 brought excitement and upsets, and Day 2 promises more of the same. If you can’t watch the games, maybe you’re stuck at work, we can help. We’ll be live blogging the day’s action.
Can’t watch the NCAA Tournament? Follow along with all the action in our Live Blog!
× Can’t watch the NCAA Tournament? Follow along with all the action in our Live Blog! The NCAA Tournament tips off Thursday morning, and we’ll have live blogging running through all the high and low points of the day. If you’re stuck somewhere you can’t stream or watch it, we’ve got you covered. David Kumbroch March 15, 201810:38 am Welcome to our Live Blog coverage of the NCAA Tournament! Buckle up! The first day is always full of wild surprises.
Madison releases major details on baseball stadium deal, including renderings
MADISON, Ala. – The City of Madison announced Thursday evening that they have reached an agreement with Town Madison developer Louis Breland with the aim of bringing a minor league baseball team to Madison to start the 2020 season. They also released their agreement with Ballcorps LLC, who bought the Mobile BayBears. The agreement was signed several weeks ago, and WHNT News 19 has been pressing for its release. The document is 86 pages, and we are currently reviewing it for details.
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Illinois man armed with AR-15 stops knife attack by neighbor
OSWEGO, Ill. - A man armed with an AR-15 rifle stopped an attack by one of his neighbors in his Illinois apartment building. Police say it all began Monday when someone with a knife attacked another person during an argument. Neighbor Dave Thomas, who witnessed the attack, went into his home, got his rifle and ordered the suspect to stop. "I poked my head out the door. There was a pool of blood, blood was everywhere in the hall.
Tuesday at 10: Area cops say they tracked down armed robbers by stride
WAYNE COUNTY, Tenn. – An armed robbery hasn’t happened in Wayne County, Tennesee since 2006 when Sheriff Ric Wilson took office. In some ways, that makes it even more remarkable that the sheriff’s department there pioneered the use of new science to help solve the crime. The sheriff and Detective Dusty Malugen say they watched the 98-second clip hundreds of times over the course of a year. All they had to go off was a video showing three men, covered head to toe in all black with red bandanas.
Filmmaker Kevin Smith survives heart attack with ‘100% blockage’
GLENDALE, Calif. – There’s nothing funny about what happened to filmmaker and comedian Kevin Smith Sunday night. Smith, who rose to fame following the success of the 1994 cult classic “Clerks,” was shooting a new stand-up special during a pair of comedy shows in Glendale, California. He tweeted early Monday that he had to cancel the second show after suffering a “massive heart attack.” “If I hadn’t canceled show 2 to go to the hospital, I would’ve died tonight,” he tweeted.
Chrissy Teigen tweets as she brings ’emotional support casserole’ on to flight
Good news! Scalloped potato casseroles can be carried onto airplanes, according to the TSA. Model Chrissy Teigen, known for her funny tweetstorms, tweeted at American Airlines the other day about wanting to bring her ’emotional support casserole’ on board with her. Teigen, an expecting mother, was determined to take those scalloped potatoes with her.
WHNT News 19’s Al Whitaker on medical leave after series of strokes
WHNT News 19’s Al Whitaker will be off the air for a while, as he recovers from a serious health issue. He suffered a series of strokes that have impaired his vision, gait, and balance. However, he’s doing his best to keep his spirits high, and he says his symptoms are getting better.
WATCH LIVE: Update on Florida school shooting from law enforcement, expected to include timeline, videos
Post by @whnt.
Swastikas stenciled on University of Alabama in Huntsville building, criminal case opened
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Swastikas were found stenciled on two different places outside Morton Hall on Monday, February 5th, according to University of Alabama in Huntsville crime logs. One week later, UAH President Robert Altenkirch sent a message to faculty, staff, and students condemning the “defacing of Morton Hall and campus property with inflammatory symbols.” The letter from the president asks anyone “aware of any defacement of university property” to report it to the UAH Police Department.
Flu outbreak leads Marshall County Schools to close for four days, starting Thursday
MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. – The Marshall County School District will be closed Thursday and Friday, plus the following Monday and Tuesday because of the seriousness of the flu outbreak. All told, Marshall County Schools will be closed on February 8, 9, 12, and 13.
Man accused of ordering kittens online to kill them enters plea deal, not guilty because of mental illness
ATHENS, Ala. — A Limestone County man charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty will not be prosecuted after a plea agreement was reached declaring him “not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.” Ronald Golden was declared mentally ill by a court in 2013, said Limestone County District Attorney Brian C.T. Jones, and the DA’s office decided it would be more effective for Golden to undergo treatment within the state mental health system than be prosecuted.
Report: Auburn Basketball’s Austin Wiley appeal denied, won’t play this year
According to our newspartners at AL.com, Auburn Basketball’s Austin Wiley will not play for the Tigers this season. The sophomore had appealed his eligibility ruling to the NCAA. Our newspartners at AL.com now say that appeal has been denied.
Former Madison County Sheriff’s Investigator indicted on sex abuse charges
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. – The Alabama Attorney General’s office told WHNT News 19 today that former Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Roland Campos has been indicted on sex abuse charges. He’s facing one count of 1st Degree Sex Abuse and one count of 2nd Degree Sex Abuse. The allegation is that he inappropriately touched a middle-school-aged girl. Campos resigned from the sheriff’s office the day he was arrested. He was arrested in August 2017.
21 potential flu deaths in north Alabama being investigated by the state
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – State numbers published to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website on Wednesday indicate that Alabama is currently investigating 52 deaths potentially linked to the flu. 21 of those are from north Alabama. State officials have warned about a particularly virulent flu season this year. Governor Kay Ivey even issued a State Public Health Emergency because of the flu outbreak.
Alabama senators split on abortion bill vote; Sen. Jones votes against bill Sen. Shelby co-sponsored
WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) publicly split with his colleague Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) for one of the first times on a bill that would essentially ban abortions after 20 weeks. A procedural vote that would have brought the bill to the floor fell well short of the 60 votes needed, though it did receive a majority. The final vote tally was 51-46. The bill was brought by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Sen. Shelby was one of the bill’s 46 cosponsors.
LIVE BLOG: Water quality advocacy group voices health concerns about drinking water in parts of north Alabama
HARTSELLE, Ala. – The Warriors for Clean Water have called a news conference, saying they have a serious health warning about drinking water in parts of north Alabama. While we have not been able to review their claims in full ahead of time, we have reported on this group in the past. Their findings have checked out with our reporting to date. Meanwhile, we are also pressing for answers from local utilities as to their responses to this advocacy group’s claims.
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