Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

In honor of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we’re exploring the science and stories surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. 

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 25-Oct-2026 18:16 ET (25-Oct-2026 22:16 GMT/UTC)

21-Sep-2026

 

Study identifies increased levels of meprin-β in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease

Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The study detects increased levels of the active form of meprin-β in advanced stages of the disease and of its messenger RNA in intermediate stages. Researchers also observe increased levels of the protein when human neurons are exposed to beta-amyloid, pointing to a possible relationship between the two processes.

Journal

Alzheimer s Research & Therapy

21-Sep-2026

 

SKKU research team opens new avenue for Alzheimer’s disease treatment by restoring brain immune balance

Sungkyunkwan University External Affairs Division (PR team)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Modulating the immune protein PD-L1 restores microglial function and alleviates abnormal neuronal hyperactivity

Journal

Science Advances

18-Sep-2026

Cortisol in saliva may be indicator for cognitive decline

Rush University Medical Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An irregular pattern and consistently higher levels of a stress hormone called cortisol found in the saliva were associated with cognitive decline later in life — Blacks specifically had lower overall cortisol levels and less change in their levels during the day than whites — according to newly published research.

Journal

JAMA

17-Sep-2026

 

Virtual cells built from 4D AI models and "Digital twins” could speed up drug discovery

University of California - San Diego
Peer-Reviewed Publication

UC SanDiego researchers are using AI and "virtual cells" based on 4D movies to predict how cells will respond to drugs, which could speed up drug discovery for cancer, Alzheimer’s and more.

Journal

Cell

17-Sep-2026

 

Multilingual AI cognitive screening for Chinese-Speaking community enables early detection using speech-based biomarkers in English and Chinese

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease, is a growing challenge in ageing societies. Early detection is crucial, as timely intervention can improve care planning, monitoring and quality of life. Yet cognitive decline is often identified only after symptoms have become more pronounced, limiting opportunities for support.

Journal

Brain Sciences

16-Sep-2026

Social media spreading misleading claims about Alzheimer’s blood tests, study finds

University of Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

More than a third of social media posts suggested Alzheimer’s blood tests could screen healthy people without symptoms, conflicting with current recommendations. Accounts with explicit financial interests were more than three times as likely to promote testing for asymptomatic people.

Journal

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society