Seeing ALS in High Definition : Revealing the Biology Behind MRI Changes

Abstract

Jacqueline Palik was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Jacqueline presented the research titled “Seeing ALS in High Definition: Revealing the Biology Behind MRI Changes.” Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis due to motor neuron loss. Certain individuals living with ALS show distinct changes on MRI scans, particularly along the corticospinal tract, the major nerve pathway that controls voluntary movement. By directly linking MRI findings to the underlying biological changes, this research aims to clarify what these imaging abnormalities truly represent and help develop MRI tools that can better detect and monitor ALS progression during life. Jacqueline Palik is completing a MSc in Neuroscience in the Neuroscience Program under the supervision of Dr. Erik P. Pioro. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.