The number of Australians diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) has increased over the past 40 years.

But only 10 per cent of cases have a clear genetic cause.

Scientists have been investigating the possible environmental triggers for sporadic MND.

Their focus? Pesticides, metals and a neurotoxin produced by blue-green algae.

Guest/s

• Tracy Ellis
• Professor Dominic Rowe, neurologist at Macquarie University
• Professor Ken Rodgers,  neurotoxicology at the University of Technology Sydney

References

• Synthesis of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom knowledge and analysis of recent trends in the Murray-Darling Basin
• Prevalence of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its isomers in freshwater cyanobacteria isolated from eastern Australia
• Occupational Exposures to Pesticides and Other Chemicals: a New Zealand MotorNeurone Disease Case-Control Study
• Exposure to environmental toxins and the risk of sporadic motor neuron disease: an expanded Australian case-control study
• Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre
• Australian-first MND map awarded $1m government grant