Przedborski (IMAGE) Columbia University Irving Medical Center Caption Astrocytes from ALS patients release a toxin that kills human motor neurons. The left side of the image shows a disintegrating motor neuron on top of human astrocytes (blue). The right side of the image shows a healthy motor neuron on top of astrocytes from people unaffected by ALS. Credit Diane Re, Columbia University Medical Center Usage Restrictions Rights for use are granted in the context of this news story License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.