logo
Scientists are using living human brain tissue to study Alzheimer's on their hunt for a cure - and experts are expecting a breakthrough

Scientists are using living human brain tissue to study Alzheimer's on their hunt for a cure - and experts are expecting a breakthrough

Daily Mail​01-05-2025
British scientists have used the tissue of a living human brain to mimic the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, in a study which will boost the search for a cure.
The team from the University of Edinburgh used the healthy brain tissue from living NHS patients and exposed it to a protein linked to Alzheimer's, from patients who passed away from it.
In a stunning scientific leap, researchers unlocked a rare chance to watch dementia take hold in human brain cells and experts believe this game-changing method could fast-track drug testing and crank up the odds of finally finding a cure.
The study involved using tiny fragments of healthy brain tissue from cancer patients while they underwent routine surgery to remove tumours at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Once the pieces were collected, they were put into glass bottles with oxygenated artificial spinal fluid and taken into labs where they were sliced into thin pieces, less than a third of a millimetre thick and were kept in incubators to replicate the body temperature.
Scientists then took the deadly amyloid beta straight from the brains of Alzheimer's victims and unleashed it on healthy brain tissue in the lab and watched as the disease developed.
It was found that the brain did not try to repair the damage caused by the toxic protein, and even small changes were enough to disrupt brain cells.
This will help scientists in their race to find a cure to the disease, and according to the leader of the experiment, it is bringing the scientific community 'one step closer' to finding a cure for it.
Dr Claire Durrant said: 'We believe this tool could help accelerate findings from the lab into patients, bringing us one step closer to a world free from the heartbreak of dementia.
'These findings are a testament to the incredible support of my funders and the hard work of my team members Dr Robert McGeachan and Dr Soraya Meftah, who led on the experiments.'
Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, founder of Race Against Dementia, which has supported Dr Durrant's laboratory since 2019 said: 'It's a horrendous reality that as things stand, one in three people born today, will die with dementia.
'Someone develops dementia every three seconds – and we still don't have a cure. I created Race Against Dementia to challenge this awful disease in the fullest sense.
'Our collaboration across industries allows us to think more keenly and faster, and the breakthrough that we have achieved shows what is possible when science moves faster, with new tools and fresh thinking.
'Our unique program is enabling us to test potential treatments which are bringing us closer to a world without dementia. I am sure that for you, like me, that cannot happen soon enough.'
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh said: 'This important work by Dr Durrant's team brings a new tool to scientists' toolbox to better understand Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it.
'The use of living human tissue samples generously donated by people undergoing surgery to remove brain tumours allows scientists to probe how living human brain reacts to toxic proteins produced in Alzheimer's, and in future will allow testing of whether new treatments are effective in human brain.
'This cutting-edge study is an example of how the UK Dementia Research Institute is at the forefront of global efforts to understand and treat Alzheimer's.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Woman, 48, dies suddenly in Alicante airport on her way back from 'best holiday'
Woman, 48, dies suddenly in Alicante airport on her way back from 'best holiday'

Daily Mirror

time38 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Woman, 48, dies suddenly in Alicante airport on her way back from 'best holiday'

Angela McTier, 48, from Lanarkshire, was heading to Alicante airport in a taxi to fly home after a break in La Mata in south east Spain when she was suddenly taken ill A Scottish grandmother tragically passed away at a Spanish airport whilst returning from her holiday. ‌ Angela McTier, from Blantyre in Lanarkshire, was travelling to Alicante airport in a taxi when she suffered a burst varicose vein, resulting in severe blood loss. The 48 year old made it to the airport but collapsed in the departure lounge. ‌ Sadly, despite emergency treatment, she passed away at the scene on Tuesday July 22. Her daughter, Michelle Hilston, told STV that her mum had been working to get healthier so she could see her granddaughters grow up. ‌ The 24 year old said: "My mum watched the grandkids at least two nights every week and always looked forward to them coming over. I'm heartbroken for my two girls who have just lost that special relationship with her. If there's one thing my mum loved, it was going on holiday, she thrived over there and this particular holiday to La Mata she just kept saying how amazing it was, it was her best holiday and she'd felt so well and couldn't wait to bring the grandkids over. "She was due to go away with me and my two toddlers next month as well." Michelle disclosed that her mum provided crucial help when she was studying for a midwifery degree. She sent her mum a video of her 11-month-old granddaughter taking her first steps, reports the Daily Record. Michelle added: "She helped me out so much to pursue my dream degree after having my kids and always made sure I had all the childcare and financial support I needed. Her holidays were a special thing for her, she went multiple times a year, and it was one of the things she loved doing the most. "But the thing she loved the most was her granddaughters and would ask for pictures of them multiple times a day. The day she died, I had sent her a video of my 11-month-old finally walking, and she was in tears over the video, phoning everyone to tell them, and I'm glad that's the last video she saw of the kids." A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Spain." A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with the expenses of bringing Angela home and covering her funeral costs. You can donate to the fundriser by clicking here.

Llandovery hospital to remain open say health board
Llandovery hospital to remain open say health board

South Wales Guardian

timean hour ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Llandovery hospital to remain open say health board

On Thursday, July 17, hundreds of residents gathered at The Castle Hotel for a consultation hosted by Hywel Dda University Health Board, seeking clarity on the hospital's services. Although the health board confirmed the hospital will remain open, many feel services have steadily declined. Mickey Gough, Chairman of the League of Friends in Llandovery, highlighted a key issue: 'We raised a quarter of a million pounds through donations to buy an X-ray machine for the hospital, but it is currently not in use.' Mr Gough believes there is a lack of provision for older people at Llandovery Hospital. (Image: Google Maps) The community-donated X-ray machine is now considered limited due to technological advances, and the health board has indicated that if X-ray services are to continue in Llandovery, the machine would need replacing. Currently, X-ray services are offered one day a week by a visiting member of staff, but some patients still have to travel to larger hospitals for imaging that the outdated machine cannot provide. Mr Gough also expressed concern about the impact on older residents, many of whom must travel further afield for care. Following the consultation, the health board acknowledged the challenges in radiology services, noting long wait times and staffing difficulties. They proposed that X-ray provision could be shifted to larger hospitals in Carmarthen and Llanelli. Mr Henwood said: 'Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us in Llandovery on 17 July – it was great to meet so many people who care deeply about Llandovery Hospital and our NHS. The proposed options included in the Clinical Services Plan seek to deal with fragilities in our radiology services particularly, but we are consulting with our communities to learn more, to listen to potential impacts and also to hear and consider new ideas or alternative options from people. 'There are no plans or decisions ongoing about closing Llandovery Hospital, which was a concern put to us by many people in the community at our recent event. 'Llandovery hospital is a hub for our community, and we have heard the passion the community has for local services very clearly at our recent event. We are extremely grateful to the League of Friends and the community for their continued support of the hospital and our staff. The hospital is still open and providing a range of services from the ward and palliative, end-of-life care, to the range of services offered through clinics. We are grateful to our committed and compassionate staff who work there, in the community, and primary care locally.' Clinics that are currently run from Llandovery Hospital include: People can share their views on what is important to live a healthy life by visiting The health board will also come back to Llandovery, and other communities, to discuss this with the local people in the autumn. Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer for the Health Board added: 'Whilst the broader potential of the hospital and its future is not part of the current consultation into clinical services, we would value continued discussions with our community about the hospital and community-based care, especially as we are also engaging on a review of our Healthier Mid and West Wales strategy.' The League of Friends continues to invest in the hospital, having recently funded a new kitchen for nursing staff.

Over 260,000 Scots out of work due to long term sickness or disability
Over 260,000 Scots out of work due to long term sickness or disability

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

Over 260,000 Scots out of work due to long term sickness or disability

EXCLUSIVE: The figures have prompted calls for the SNP Government to give people the support they need to get back to work. Over a quarter of a million Scots are out of work due to long-term sickness or having a disability after a rise caused by the pandemic. ‌ The SNP Government has now been urged to invest more in mental health and the NHS to help people back find jobs. ‌ Keir Starmer's Labour Government recently proposed tightening eligibility for disability and sickness benefits in a bid to slow the rate of social security spending. ‌ But the bulk of the plan was ditched amid claims people who genuinely need to be on benefits would be harmed. Despite the u-turn, Labour sources believe action will have to be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to get people back into jobs. New figures reveal there are an estimated 269,000 people in Scotland aged 16-64 who gave their reason for being inactive as long-term sick or disabled. ‌ It works out at around one third of Scotland's economically inactive people in the same age group. This includes 35,200 people in Glasgow, 16,100 in North Lanarkshire, 14,100 in Fife, 14,000 in Edinburgh and 12,800 in South Lanarkshire. Critics say First Minister John Swinney needs to use his devolved powers to help people who can work into jobs. ‌ It was recently reported that Scots on disability benefits for conditions such as anxiety and depression are costing the taxpayer more than £1.3bn a year. Lib Dem MSP Jamie Greene, who uncovered the 269,000 figure, said: 'These figures show that across Scotland there are huge numbers who are economically inactive because they are off long-term sick. 'Of course, there will always be some for whom paid work is not a feasible option but for many more, if they got the right care, the right mental health support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs. ‌ 'It seems ridiculous that around five times more is being spent on social security payments for people with mental health conditions than is being specifically dedicated to helping them through the NHS and back into the workplace. 'Similarly, people waiting on autism and ADHD diagnoses are facing waiting lists that stretch into the years. 'We should be investing in the NHS to bring down these long waits. Not only is that the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work. ‌ "The Scottish Government need to work urgently with health boards and local authorities on a new plan to support those who are long-term sick; one that tackles long waits for care, invests in mental health and offers tailored advice and support for those who need it.' Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said: 'It's clear far too many Scots are being locked out of work as a result of the SNP 's disastrous mismanagement of our health and social care systems. ‌ 'Under the SNP almost one in six Scots are stuck on NHS waiting lists, over 100,000 people have been waiting over a year, and ADHD and autism services have been effectively privatised. "As someone with ADHD, it makes me angry that the SNP is consigning people with ADHD and autism to the employment scrapheap. 'The SNP is robbing hundreds of thousands of Scots of their livelihoods and holding back our economy – it is time for a new direction.' ‌ However, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: 'Jamie Greene is correct that the Scottish Government should invest more into occupational health services and our healthcare system more generally. 'But he risks robbing Peter to pay Paul if he thinks that investment in mental health can come from social security budgets. Disability payments are a lifeline and prevent people falling into further ill-health. He is misguided to think that government savings should therefore be borne on the backs of the sick, disabled or those living with long term health conditions. 'With a growing blackhole in the public finances, projected to be £2.2 billion by 2030, the Scottish Government, if they properly use their powers of taxation, can afford to both give dignity and security to the long-term sick whilst fully funding our public services and creating well paid, secure jobs for those who need it. 'Progressive income and wealth taxes could enable the best of both worlds: a route into gainful employment whilst still providing a safety net for those in need of assistance. That's the route out of economic inactivity and we would encourage Mr Greene and his party to turn their attention to the wealthy instead of those on welfare.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'There will always be some people whose health conditions mean they cannot work, and they should be supported with dignity and respect. It is unacceptable that the UK Government is introducing a two-tier system which reduces the health element of Universal Credit for new applications and will see people losing around £3000 per year by 2029-30. Removing barriers for those who can enter the workplace is a priority for the Scottish Government. 'This is why we are improving our employability support services, including enhanced specialist support for people with disabilities and long term health conditions across all 32 local authorities in July 2025, and increasing access to health board services which support people in work.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store