The brain's cleaning system has been observed working naturally by scientists for the first time in research that may help in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Researchers have been able to use MRI scanners to watch in real time as spinal fluid flushes waste products out of the brain and circulates them alongside blood vessels, to be removed by the body.
Alzheimer's disease is characterised by the build-up of waste products, and some scientists hypothesise that it could be caused by the brain?s inability to clean itself. This finding could explain the link between Alzheimer's and poor sleep and exercise.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/the-times/brains-clea
A new retirement village calculator developed by business analysts is designed to protect seniors from making devastating financial mistakes. The free calculator takes a complex range of fees such as entry fee, ongoing fees and exit fee, and calculates a simple ?equivalent monthly rent' for the years of residence.
A second version of the app will be aimed at people who advise consumers considering retirement villages, such as lawyers and financial planners.
www.rvcalculator.org
Researchers at Newcastle University have created the first 3D printed cornea. Based on a digital scan, they combined healthy corneal stem cells with collagen and alginate to create a bio-based ink capable of setting in just 10 minutes. While still experimental, this project could eventually revolutionize how we treat the millions awaiting corneal transplants.
A number of mental health diseases (e.g. Alzheimer?s, schizophrenia, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, major depression) are associated with a brain age that is older than the person?s chronological age. A simple way to determine brain age could potentially serve as a marker for such impairments, but today brain age is measured using expensive MRI processes. Researchers in the US have shown that by measuring the patient?s EEG during sleep they can predict their brain age. With an ageing population, cheap predictors of potential impairments become more important. Measuring EEG?s is potentially something that could be done at home with relatively low-cost equipment.
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1805/1805.06391.pdf
