The American Academy of Neurology today launched a new online medical journal, titled Neurology: Genetics, to provide neurologists and scientists interested in applying findings from basic science with peer-reviewed articles, editorials, and reviews to enhance patient care, education, and clinical research.
“Genetics is a crucial component in understanding the brain and neurologic disease. We’re excited to launch this important new journal in the area of genetics research,” says Robert A. Gross, MD, PhD, FAAN, editor-in-chief of the AAN’s flagship journal Neurology. “We are especially pleased that Stefan Pulst, MD, FAAN, will be the editor of this new journal. He brings expertise in both science and medicine, which will serve the journal and our readers well.”
Neurology: Genetics is an open access, or free to the public, online-only journal. It features original articles in all areas of neurogenetics including studies examining the roles that genes play in neurologic disease and genetic responses to drug treatments. In addition, the journal will publish results of gene-based clinical trials, such as those that study new potential treatments or those that focus on treatments for conditions that have a genetic basis. Genetically engineered model systems are not a primary focus of Neurology: Genetics, but studies using model systems for treatment trials, including well-powered studies reporting negative results, are welcome. Each issue will also contain invited review articles, editorial commentaries, clinical/scientific notes, and reader correspondence.
Stefan M. Pulst, MD, FAAN, the editor of Neurology: Genetics, is professor and chair of the department of neurology at the University of Utah. Pulst is a member of the board of directors for the AAN and AAN Institute, and is a past chair of the Academy’s Science Committee, among other leadership roles. His current research focuses on the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration using molecular and cellular approaches.
“I am excited to start this new journal in the Neurology family,” says Pulst in a release. “Neurology: Genetics will meet the increasing need for peer-reviewed publication of neurogenetic findings. It will serve not only as a forum of dissemination for information and discussion, but also as a source for expert peer review that will draw on the specialized expertise of reviewers of the parent journal as well as medical and human geneticists.”
