The findings of the study were detailed in the Journal of Experimental Medicine by the team from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute in the U.S.. The authors achieved these results by gradually depleting an enzyme that plays a part in the formation of the plaques, known as BACE1.
But, how is Alzheimer's in a patient identified? This is done through an abnormal buildup of beta-amyloid peptide, a protein that can build into the large amyloid plaques in the brain that are a telltale sign of the deadly, and incurable disease. BACE1 helps produce beta-amyloid peptide. For this reason, inhibiting the enzyme with drugs could ultimately open the door to effective Alzheimer's treatments by halting the buildup.
Furthermore, researchers also tested the hypothesis by engineering a group of mice that lose the BACE1 enzyme as they grow older. While mice that lacked the enzyme altogether were found to suffer neurological defects, those who stopped producing it over time remained healthy. In order to discover how this new genetic makeup performs against Alzheimer's the researchers then bred their healthy mice with others engineered to develop the disease. In doing so, they found that while amyloid plaques started building up in the brain of the offspring, they also disappeared as the mice progressively lost the BACE1 enzyme.
The authors explained that such promising result don't come without caveats. Firstly, the experiment has only been performed in a mouse model, and as you can imagine there is no guarantee that comparable results will be achieved in humans. In addition, BACE1 takes part in many other important processes in the body, and drugs that progressively destroy it could have serious side effects.
Unfortunately, treating Alzheimer's disease is a difficult and often heartbreaking process. The research discovered here is neither a miracle nor is it a missed target. It might be the first step towards realizing such an effective treatment. Given these early results, it seems to be a worthwhile avenue to pursue.
Source: futurism
The Sleep Benefits of Saffron are Now Backed by Science
A new study found that saffron has one more health benefit that is now confirmed - improving sleep.
How Drinking Too Little Alcohol May Also Cause Dementia
A new study shows that drinking too much or too little alcohol can affect your chances of getting dementia. Read all about it here.
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
This Is the Most Simple and Natural Way To Ease Insomnia
Weighted blankets are knwon for their soothing effects, and a new study confirms they may even be the tool to cure insomnia
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
This New Treatment Looks Set to End Annoying Eye Floaters
Eye floaters aren't a problem for some people, but for others, they can get pretty annoying. Read on to find out about a new treatment to get rid of them.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
Here Are the 16 Oldest Household Objects in the World
If you think ancient life is remote, these pre-historic household items will make you think again. Just look at how old they are!
This Humanoid Robot May Join the Workforce Very Soon...
Meet Digit – a bipedal robot that's ready to join human workers at warehouses around the world as early as 2024.
These Ancient Inventions Have Got Scientists Stumped!
Here are 12 items from long ago which prove that our ancestors possessed knowledge and skills far more advanced than we once believed them to be.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
8 Inventions of 2023 That Will Change The Way We Live
This year was a prominent one for ground-breaking innovations that will change the way we live.
There are Some Great Secrets Found in Mathematics...
Numbers hold some great secrets - they even tell us about life!
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
Are You a Late Sleeper? This Super Video Explains Why
Why is it that some people are late risers, and some are morning people? It's all down to our genetics. Have a look here to find out more.
NASA's Plan to Colonize the Moon by 2026
NASA has a Moon colonization plan that involves utilizing 3D printers to construct an entire space station by 2026. Here's what it will look like.
6 Fascinating Stories of Accidental Medical Discoveries
From penicillin to pacemakers, here are the medical breakthroughs that were discovered by accident.
20 Fascinating Things That Can Be Found in the World
These pictures show us 20 fascinating and absolutely astounding things, from a single mountain with 1000 waterfalls to a giant ant!
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
26 Incredible Facts About the Human Mind
The human brain is an interesting and powerful organ, which is why we've gathered 26 interesting facts about exactly how human psychology works.
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?
Ponder Life's Big Questions with a Truly Brilliant Mind
Dr. Michio Kaku is known around the world for his brain power and ability to explain complex concepts with effortless ease. Here are his thoughts.
Can One Photo Really Tell How Good Your Eyesight Is?
Scientists say that this single photograph can tell you whether you have good vision or not. Who can you see in the image?
Six Inventions Da-Vinci Made Ahead of Their Time
He created and envisioned many inventions that were sometimes even centuries ahead of their time. Was there ever a genius as great as Da-Vinci?
What’s it Like Using a 115-Inch TV?!
This colossal 115-Inch TV will transform your viewing experience forever.
24 Confusing Optical Illusions Explained - Fascinating!
How do our eyes fool the brain? Let's find out as a neuroscientist explains the truth behind the most confusing optical illusions.
50 Crazy But True Facts About Dreams You Need to Know
Here are some strange and unusual facts about dreams that will surprise you.
This Is Why You Should Choose Paper Towels Over Air Dryers
Jet air dryers seem to provide a rapid solution to drying our hands in public restrooms, but they're actually havens for bacteria. Take a look.
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
These Engineering Failures Ended In Real Catastrophes
These are 10 of the worst engineering failures in history. These accidents had horrific results, and we must learn from them to never ever repeat them.
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
Understanding the Aging Process of Our Body Parts
Find out how every organ and body part in our body changes with age.
Are Underwater Turbines the Answer to Our Energy Question?
One of the most promising technologies in the renewable energy market is the ocean. Learn all about it.
INTERACTIVE: How Personal Items Have Changed Over Time
Some of you will be old enough to remember what many of today's objects used to look like. Here are 20 such objects. Click to see them as they used to be.
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...
New Study: A Pill that Works Out Your Muscles?!?
New study shows that, though we are not there yet, a pill can and probably WILL come out that works out the muscles and grows them.
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
Breathalyzers May Be More Important Than You Thought
This video does a great job in breaking down how in the future, breath analysis can be used to detect disease and prevent more invasive procedures.
This Giant Tank Will Unlock the Universe’s Big Mysteries
Japan is building a huge underground tank inside a mountain to help unlock the many mysteries of the universe.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
How Can You Recognize a Fake Gadget Before Buying It?
More often than not, you're almost unable to recognize them. So, before purchasing the product you want to have, bear in mind the following tips:
Toilets: The Greatest Medical Advancement in Human History
While toilets make some people laugh, they are actually a deadly serious medical advancement. This video explains what toilets mean to civilization.
The Story of the Internet: Who REALLY Invented It?
Who really invented the internet, and why did they REALLY do it?
Your Voice is as Unique As Your Fingerprints
This fascinating video explains how this unique characteristic of humans works, and what makes our voices unique.
The COOLEST Flames in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Have you ever seen a flame as epic as this? Find out how it's made...