New study shows that the way amyloid proteins—implicated in Alzheimer’s disease—assemble into fibrils can be significantly influenced by the spin orientation of electrons on magnetized surfaces. Depending on the direction of the magnetization and the chirality of the protein building blocks, the researchers observed major differences in the number, length, and structure of the resulting fibrils. These findings suggest that electron spin, through a mechanism known as Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS), plays a direct role in protein self-assembly, pointing to a new and previously overlooked physical factor that could be harnessed to control or interfere with amyloid formation in neurodegenerative diseases.

By 2050, dementia rates in Canada are expected to double, placing massive strain on families, healthcare systems and long-term care homes. This week, as the world’s top dementia researchers gather in Toronto for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®), Canada has an opportunity to show it is not just a host, but a global leader in the fight against dementia.