Until 2019 there were 4 Coronaviruses known to infect humans. They accounted for about 20% of colds. Last year the SARS-CoV-19 Coronavirus jumped from wild animals (probably from bats) to humans as a result of a new mutation in the virus surface protein (spike protein) which allowed this virus to enter human cells very efficiently. The virus surface (this is the spike protein) binds on to a receptor on the surface of lung cells, which is why major respiratory infection can result.
Corona Virus and MS
The last year has seen the tragedy of the Corona Virus pandemic where a virus new to humans has infected vast numbers of people and caused widespread illness and many deaths world-wide. While not identical to the Influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, there are many parallels between this pandemic and the current Corona virus pandemic. For example, the importance of using masks in a respiratory virus pandemic was graphically demonstrated in cities such as San Francisco in 1918. Unlike 1918, there has been not only a rapid demonstration that we are dealing with a virus, but the gene structure of the virus was uncovered quickly. An explosion of research on all aspects of the virus and the infection led to the rapid development of diagnostic tests, therapeutics and vaccines.
MSRI second annual celebrity hockey event postponed due to COVID-19
Dear Friends:
MSRI regrets that we have decided to postpone the 2020 hockey game and dinner set for March 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak that was declared today as a pandemic. Although so many worked tirelessly to arrange the event, and despite so many of you supporting our cause, the health and safety of our supporters and participants is our top priority.
As you may know, the Governor of New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency and cases are reported in Camden and Burlington counties and areas surrounding Philadelphia. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has described that there is no known cure and testing kits remain limited. Because authorities have warned against hosting large gatherings, universities have postponed classes and employers have begun to advise employees to remain at home. Consequently, MSRI believes we too must err on the side of caution and delay the event.
To that end, we intend to hold the event at a later date and ask for your permission to hold your contribution until that time. However, we will refund your contribution upon written request, which you can send to our email address at greensteinmsri@gmail.com Your request may take some time to process, so we ask for your patience. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times. We encourage everyone to become as informed as possible about the steps necessary to ensure that you and those around you stay safe.
-MSRI
Infections and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
For a long period of time it was believed that MS was caused by an infectious agent.
Update November 2019
November 26, 2019
Dear Supporter,
As this year comes to a close I’d like to share the significant progress MSRI has made using your generous contributions and explain our current efforts to Find, Stop and Cure Multiple Sclerosis.
Celebrity Hockey Event Video with Brian Propp and Riley Cote
MSRI First Annual Celebrity Hockey Event Video
Celebrity Hockey Game March 10th 2019
Radio Interview With Ernie Alvino, Propper, and Brad Segall
Listen Up! Sunday, February 24 at 6 am:
MSRI Board Member Ernie Alvino and former Philadelphia Flyer, Hall of Famer, Brian Propp discuss our March 10 celebrity hockey game on Philadelphia Agenda with Brad Segal.
You can listen on 101.1 FM (B101) FM, 98.1 FM (WOGL) or 96.5 FM (WTDY)
https://wogl.radio.com/media/audio-channel/2019-02-24-philaagenda-ms-research-institute
Thank you for helping to Find, Stop, and Cure MS!
Update December 2018
December 14, 2018
Dear Supporter,
As we approach the end of the year I would like to thank you for your ongoing support. This has enabled usto continue work at full speed in the laboratory.
GoFundMe – Essential Equipment: Cell Sorter
With your help we intend to FIND, STOP, AND CURE MS!
ANY CONTRIBUTION, SMALL OR LARGE, MATTERS AND HELPS!