Studying the Synapses (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption Gregorio Valdez (right), an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Research Institute, and Thomas Taetzsch, a postdoctoral fellow, have identified a naturally occurring molecule that has the potential for preserving sites of communication between nerves and muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and over the course of aging. Credit Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute Usage Restrictions None 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.