Summary: Cannabis (marijuana) and endocannabinoids affect several biological processes, including neuroprotection.

Comment: This technical article discusses the scientific and therapeutic contributions of the cannabis plant.

Summary: An Israeli company hopes to market stem cell treatments for neuorological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Instead of using embryonic stem cells, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics uses stem cells from the bone marrow of adults.

Comment: The company plans to start studies in Israle and the U.S. within a year. It is likely that the company will be trading on Nasdaq before it's treatments will be available commercially.

Summary: A clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University is examining a novel way to deliver neurturin to dopamine-producing brain cells and protect them against damage. The study drug, called a "gene transfer agent," is a therapeutic gene attached to an inactive virus that targets neurons. The treatment is expected to reduce the severity of symptoms when patients are off their standard medications.

Comment: The results of the 13-month study will not be available until mid-2008, after which physicians and patients will wait to see whether the drug's manufacturer, Ceregene, plans to take the treatment to market.

Summary: After an injection of human neural stem cells, primates with severe Parkinson's disease had fewer tremors and were able to walk, move, and eat better. The study suggests that stem cells can be used to replace lost dopamine neurons in the brain.

Comment: Although the results are promising, the study's author cautions that it will be years before a similar procedure could be used in humans.