First observation of neuron death in living being enables development of Alzheimer's drugs

MUNICH, GERMANY--Current methods of studying nerve cells affected by Alzheimer's disease are limited to post-mortem animal models and complicated methods. A new approach, developed at the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) has enabled the first directly observed imaging of neuron death in a living organism. The approach, which involves a laser microscope and fluorescent protein, promises to aid development of therapies. (Click to see movie.)