Taxpayers give $5M to Pitt, other institutions for neuroscience research

(The Center Square) – The most recent Pennsylvania budget was tight, but it did add a few new line items, including $5 million toward research for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

On Friday, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, and Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Peckville, joined researchers at the University of Pittsburgh to mark the investment.

Mullins lost his father to ALS and has spent his time in the legislature championing the cause alongside Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Quarryville, who lost both parents to the disease.

“So many know the feeling of when that diagnosis is given,” said Mullins. “The timer is set, and you begin to grieve in anticipation of losing that person you love. As you watch them lose the ability to speak, to swallow, to remember your name, or to breathe, you prepare for that loss because there are no cures.”

Medical researchers in Pennsylvania hope to rewrite that story by developing new treatments for ...