Video: Allen Institute for Brain Science Unveils World's First Genome-Wide Spinal ...( Landmark Atlas Holds Vast Potential t...),Health

Landmark Atlas Holds Vast Potential to Accelerate Life-Changing Spinal Cord

Research Project Made Possible through Generous Support from Funding Consortium

Committed to Advancing Breakthrough Spinal Cord Discoveries

WASHINGTON, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allen Institute for Brain Science today unveiled the groundbreaking Allen Spinal Cord Atlas, the world's first genome-wide map of the mouse spinal cord. Researchers can immediately access the free online data to advance their research surrounding spinal cord diseases and disorders.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/alleninstitute/33951/

Until now, the scientific community's efforts to research spinal cord injury and disease have been hindered by the absence of a genome-wide map of gene expression. The Allen Spinal Cord Atlas is designed to address a gap in the scientific community's knowledge of gene expression in the spinal cord, giving researchers the gift of time in gathering data that might otherwise take months or years to discover.

From disabled veterans to those afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, spinal cord related diseases and disorders affect people of all ages. Nearly one-quarter of a million Americans -- including several thousand troops in Iraq -- have suffered or suffer from a spinal cord injury; as many as 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS at any given time; and multiple sclerosis affects 2.5 million people worldwide, to name a few.

Innovative Funding Consortium Joins Forces

The Allen Spinal Cord Atlas was first proposed by scientists in the research community following the completion of the Allen Institute's groundbreaking inaugural project, the Allen Brain Atlas. The Institute's established technology platform and multi-disciplinary approach creat
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