Researchers from several institutions working as a team have discovered that damage to the mitochondria in nerve cells is associated with the inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The scientists found that abnormal proteins clog the transport system that brings vital substances into the mitochondria. Now the team will look at the role of mitochondria in the more common, sporadic form of ALS. Their research was published in the July 9, 2004, issue of Neuron.