Metal-based molecule inhibits the build-up of Alzheimer s peptides in lab tests
In lab tests, Imperial researchers have created a metal-based molecule that inhibits the build-up of a peptide associated with Alzheimer s disease.
A peptide is a fragment of a protein, and one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer s disease is the build-up of a specific peptide known as amyloid-β. The team demonstrated that with the aid of ultrasound, their molecule can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice, targeting the part of the brain where the damaging peptide most often accumulates.
Alzheimer s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. There is a pressing need to develop drugs that can prevent or reverse the effects of this devastating disease.
Metal-based molecules show promise against the build-up of Alzheimer s peptides
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Metal-based molecules show promise against build-up of Alzheimer s peptides
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Scientists have uncovered the exact mechanism that causes new solar cells to break down, and suggest a potential solution.
Solar cells harness energy from the Sun and provide an alternative to non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. However, they face challenges from costly manufacturing processes and poor efficiency - the amount of sunlight converted to useable energy.
Perovskites are materials developed for next-generation solar cells. Although perovskites are more flexible cheaper to make than traditional silicon-based solar panels and deliver similar efficiency, perovskites contain toxic lead substances. Versions of perovskites using alternatives to lead are therefore being investigated.
Versions using tin instead of lead show promise but degrade quickly. Now, researchers at Imperial and the University of Bath have shown how these perovskites degrade to tin iodide, which, when exposed to moisture and oxygen, forms iodine. This iodine then helps form more tin