SAN ANTONIO — December 10, 2025 — Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Trinity University will study Thermus thermophilus, a thermal bacterium with highly stable proteins, to advance scientific understanding of stability mechanisms that could pave the way for advanced treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS and cancer. The project is supported by SwRI and Trinity through a new grant program designed to encourage collaborative research.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), often causes overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Traditional imaging is costly and slow, while EEG offers a cheaper, portable option—but interpreting signals has been difficult. FAU researchers have developed a deep learning model that analyzes EEG brain activity to accurately detect both type and severity of dementia. This AI-driven approach identifies key brainwave patterns, enabling faster, noninvasive, and precise monitoring of disease progression, transforming dementia diagnosis and care.

A new arts and wellbeing program co-developed by the University of South Australia, Flinders University and the University of Adelaide shows that supporting the social needs of people living with dementia and their carers can help families rediscover connection, confidence and a sense of community.