Scientists have identified a potential new approach to slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for treatments that could improve the lives of millions affected by the neurodegenerative disorder.

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a non-profit research institution in New York, found that an enzyme called PTP1B contributes to memory decline in mice with Alzheimer’s. The study reveals a previously unknown role for the enzyme in immune cell signaling and suggests it could be a promising target for therapy.

Nicholas Tonks, a professor at the laboratory and the study’s corresponding author, discovered PTP1B in 1988 and has since explored its role in health and disease. Tonks and his team found that reducing PTP1B activity improved the ability of the brain’s immune cells, known as microglia, to clear amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques. These protein accumulations are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and contribute to neuronal damage. Normally, microglia remove debris in the brain, but their function declines as the disease progresses.

The researchers discovered that PTP1B interacts with a protein called spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), which regulates microglial responses to damage and plaque clearance.

“Over the course of the disease, these cells become exhausted and less effective,” said Yuxin Cen, the study lead. “Our results suggest that PTP1B inhibition can improve microglial function, clearing up Aβ plaques.”

PTP1B is also known for its role in metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are recognized risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are now working to develop PTP1B inhibitors for multiple applications, including as a potential therapy for the neurodegenerative condition.

Tonks envisions combining PTP1B inhibitors with existing approved drugs for Alzheimer’s, such as cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil or NMDA receptor antagonists such as memantine, used for more advanced stages.

“The goal is to slow Alzheimer’s progression and improve the quality of life of the patients,” Tonks said. He added that the research is particularly personal: “It’s a slow bereavement. You lose the person piece by piece,” recalling his mother’s experience with the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people live with dementia globally, with Alzheimer’s accounting for up to 70 percent of cases. Current treatments manage symptoms but do not halt disease progression, making the search for new therapies critical.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory team says their findings open the door to a new pathway for treatment, targeting the immune system’s capacity to remove harmful plaques. Researchers are hopeful that continued development of PTP1B inhibitors could complement existing drugs and slow the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, potentially transforming care for millions worldwide.

As the Winter Olympics 2026 get underway in Milan and Cortina, experts are urging visitors to take health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. The games, running from February 6 to 22, will draw thousands of spectators from around the world, increasing the risk of illness transmission in crowded venues.

Respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, remain active across Europe this winter. Health authorities recommend vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic conditions. Good hand hygiene, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are also advised. Travellers who develop symptoms during their stay are encouraged to wear masks in public, remain indoors, and minimize contact with others where possible.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also advises visitors to check their vaccination status before travelling. Routine immunisations may require adult boosters, with priority given to measles vaccines due to rising global outbreaks, including in parts of Europe. Travellers are advised to complete vaccinations at least two weeks prior to departure and to carry necessary medications and treatments during their trip.

Food safety is another key consideration for visitors. Most illnesses among travellers result from consuming spoiled food or contaminated drinks. Experts recommend eating thoroughly cooked meals, washing fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding perishable foods that have been left at room temperature for more than two hours. Tap water in Milan and Cortina is considered safe for drinking.

Large gatherings, such as the Olympic events, can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Common infections in Europe include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, while HIV, viral hepatitis, and mpox can also be transmitted through sexual contact. Health professionals recommend discussing personal risk assessments with a healthcare provider before travel, including the possible use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV and vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and mpox. Travellers should get tested for STIs if they have had unprotected sex or multiple partners, even without symptoms.

By following these measures, visitors can enjoy the Winter Olympics while minimizing health risks. Authorities emphasize that vaccinations, hygiene, safe food and drink practices, and responsible sexual health behaviours remain essential for a safe trip during large international events.

“The Winter Olympics are an exciting opportunity to celebrate sport and culture,” experts said. “But taking simple health precautions can make the difference between a memorable trip and a preventable illness.”

Amid global baby formula recalls, the United Kingdom has confirmed 36 possible intoxication cases. The UK Health Security Agency reported that 36 children showed symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning after consuming contaminated infant formula.

The cases come as the world’s largest dairy companies face scrutiny over cereulide toxin contamination, prompting widespread product recalls. In the UK, Nestlé and Danone have withdrawn specific batches of formula since the first contamination reports, with the latest recall announced this week.

The issue is not confined to the UK. French authorities are investigating the deaths of two infants who consumed formula from some of the recalled batches, although no confirmed link has been established between the product and the deaths. In Belgium, the Flemish government reported that a baby became ill in January 2026 after consuming contaminated Nestlé formula.

As of 6 February, Nestlé said it had not received any medical reports confirming a direct link between its products and the reported illnesses. The company stressed that it continues to cooperate with regulators and maintain strict safety protocols.

The recalls, which peaked in January, are ongoing. Dairy producers continue to withdraw affected batches from shelves to prevent further incidents. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) announced plans to introduce the first EU-wide safety limits for cereulide in baby formula.

The EFSA established an Acute Reference Dose (ARfD), setting the maximum safe daily intake of cereulide at 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. For a 4kg newborn, that equates to approximately 0.056 micrograms per day across all formula consumed. Nestlé welcomed the assessment, noting that its internal safety limits are even lower than the new EU guidelines.

Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can grow in improperly stored or handled food. In infants, infection can cause vomiting and diarrhoea within 30 minutes to three hours of ingestion, symptoms that closely mimic a common stomach flu.

Health authorities have urged parents to check the batch numbers of formula products at home and follow guidance from retailers regarding returns and replacements. The incident has renewed calls for stronger safety monitoring and stricter hygiene controls in the production and distribution of infant nutrition products.

The UK Health Security Agency continues to investigate the confirmed cases and work with European counterparts to trace the source of contamination. Officials emphasized that while cereulide poisoning is rare, vigilance remains critical to protect the most vulnerable consumers.