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: 27-Jan-2026 18:11 ET (27-Jan-2026 23:11 GMT/UTC)
Researchers highlight promising biomarkers for Alzheimer’s detection in a new brain network disorders study
Brain Network Disorders Editorial OfficeAs Alzheimer’s disease (AD) becomes more prevalent, scientists are exploring new methods for its early detection. In a recent review, researchers from India outline how neuron-derived extracellular vesicles—tiny membrane-bound particles released by neurons—are emerging as a promising diagnostic tool for AD. The contents of these vesicles carry molecular clues on the health of neurons, and it may soon be possible to use them to predict the onset of AD several years in advance.
- Journal
- Brain Network Disorders
Brain neuron death occurs throughout life and increases with age, a natural human protein drug may halt neuron death in Alzheimer’s disease
University of Colorado AnschutzPeer-Reviewed Publication
Night waking impacts cognitive performance regardless of sleep duration
Penn StatePeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Sleep Health
- Funder
- NIH/National Institutes of Health
NU-9 halts Alzheimer’s disease in animal model before symptoms begin
Northwestern UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Experimental drug NU-9 shows promise in clearing toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists tested NU-9 in a pre-symptomatic animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. Drug dramatically reduced brain changes that emerge near the disease’s onset. Researchers have hope that NU-9 could act as a potential prophylaxis to prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from appearing.
- Journal
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Funder
- NIH/National Institutes of Health
Clues to Alzheimer’s disease may be hiding in our ‘junk’ DNA
University of New South WalesPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Nature Neuroscience
- Funder
- National Health and Medical Research Council, UNSW RNA Institute