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
This Study May One Day Help Treat Chronic Stress And PTSD
A recently discovered protein in the brain (p11) can be linked to both depression and stress and has the potential to help future treatments
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
INCREDIBLE: UK Researchers May Be Close to Beating HIV
HIV is a debilitating disease that affects 37 million people around the globe. The great news is that a cure may be just around the corner.
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!
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.
New Study Sheds Light on Cancer & Link to Inflammation
Is there a connection between chronic inflammation and cancer.
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
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.
19 Everyday Items That Started as Military Inventions
Look around your home, and you’ll surely find a handful of these items that were originally developed for the armed forces.
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
These Shoes Can Boost Your Walking Speed by 250%!
Robotic engineers have created shoes that, they claim, will increase your speed by 250%.
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.
11 Technologies to Potentially Achieving Immortality
Scientists are hard at work developing technologies that could extend our lifespans and even make us immortal. Here are 11 of them.
12 Mind-Blowing Archaeological Discoveries Of 2022
Archaeologists made some remarkable discoveries in 2022. Here is a look at the most fascinating ones.
There are Some Great Secrets Found in Mathematics...
Numbers hold some great secrets - they even tell us about life!
Revealed! This Is How Far We Have Sent Crafts into Space!
Ever wondered just how far humans have sent spacecrafts into space? If the answer is yes, then this video is just what you've been looking for.
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.
Travel From the Sun to Pluto With Our Interactive Guide!
The solar system is a fascinating place, and we wanted to bring you an interactive journey that you can use to travel through it. Enjoy the journey!
8 Biggest Mysteries Still Surrounding the Human Body
Although modern science has revealed much about the human body, there are some things that still remain unknown. Here are the 8 biggest mysteries about it.
These 11 Brain Facts Are Enough to Boggle Your Mind
When you consider the sheer complexity of the human brain, it's difficult to wrap your head around it. Learn these 11 fascinating facts about the human brain.
Incredible: This Man Got the First Double-Arm Transplant
Felix Gretarsson got burned in both arms and needed the new ones. For that purpose, he went through history's FIRST 2-arm transplant.
6 Weird and Creepy Medical Tools of the Past
After seeing these weird and creepy medical devices of the past, you’ll be thankful you live in the 21st century. Take a look for yourself.
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.
Amazing Science: THIS is the True Scale of Our Universe...
Get a sense of the true scale and shape of the universe we've discovered so far.
20 Useful Facts About the Science of Cooking
The science behind cooking is not often thought of, but it plays a crucial role in a dish turning out right. Here are 20 facts on the science of cooking.
The Story of the Internet: Who REALLY Invented It?
Who really invented the internet, and why did they REALLY do it?
The BIGGEST Indoor Ocean in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Did you know that the US Navy has a football field-sized indoor ocean that can create any wave?
INTERACTIVE: A Guide to the Workings of the Human Body
The human body is the most complex machine known to man, and the amount of things it has to do to keep us alive is incredible. View this interactive guide now.
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
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.
These Wacky Inventions of the Past Appear Odd to Us Today!
These vintage tech inventions may look very interesting or even incredible, but their practicality today is questionable...
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
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 Remarkable Yet Overlooked Minds That Shaped Our World
These underappreciated geniuses deserve more recognition.
Doctors Make History With First Whole Eye Transplant
Surgeons in New York have performed the world’s first transplant of an entire human eye!
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
I Bet You Didn't Have a Clue About These Human Body Facts!
The human body is the most complex machine known to mankind, but I bet you don't know these 10 amazing facts about it...
These Optical Illusions Will Shock Your Mind!
Optical illusions create miscommunication between our eyes and brain making, us see things that are not really there or not see things that are right in front of us. See for yourself.
The Future is in Our Hands - Next Generation Technology
These young brilliant minds grind hard at finding and creating solution to waste recycling, and the results are promising.
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.
Researchers Claim This Ingredient Can Cure Depression!
A preliminary study has suggested that magic mushrooms may be able to soothe the symptoms of depression. Read here to find out more.
6 Signs That Someone is Listening on Your Cellphone Calls!
With technology advancing all the time, there is the ever-increasing chance of our phones being tapped. Here are 6 signs that your phone could be tapped.
12 Earliest Versions of Tech Inventions We Use Every Day
Witness the evolution of 11 popular devices we use all the time by looking at how they all started...
Scary Stories: 11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments
Truth is stranger than fiction, and this can be said for occurrences in the scientific world too. Here are 11 of the world's creepiest experiments