New Tech Maps Alzheimer's Toxic Proteins, Aids Dementia Diagnosis

• Israeli and Dutch researchers developed a new technique to precisely measure toxic Tau amyloid fibrils linked to Alzheimer's disease.
• The "FibrilPaint" and "FibrilRuler" method allows direct measurement of fibril length in fluid, even at low concentrations.
• This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in quantifying these protein clumps, which are crucial to disease progression.
• The technique could significantly advance Alzheimer's research, drug development, and potentially lead to new diagnostic biomarkers.
• It utilizes a selective fluorescent probe (FibrilPaint1) and microfluidics for accurate measurement in complex biological samples.

Why It Matters: Measuring toxic proteins could lead to new Alzheimer's diagnostics and therapies.