Researchers use living human cells on a chip to study memory loss

A University of Bath-led project has secured £500,000 to develop a first-of-its-kind 'organ-on-chip' device that replicates connections between the brain, gut and pancreas. The GlucoBrain project will allow researchers to track how signals move between the organs and uncover why diabetes may lead to changes in memory and cognition.

The study is led by world-leading experts in Lab-on-Chip technology at Bath, with collaboration from the University of Oxford and Johns Hopkins University. Their findings could pave the way for new treatments to improve the lives of millions of people affected by diabetes, dementia, or both.

Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease are two of the world's most pressing health problems, especially in ageing societies. While diabetes is widely known to affect the heart, kidneys and eyes, growing evidence suggests it is also linked with problems in memory, learning and brain function. However, the biological mechanisms behind this link remain poorly understood.

Dr Despina Moschou, the project's lead, said: "Our gut, pancreas and brain are constantly communicating via a network of signals, helping us regulate hunger and blood sugar. But we still don't fully understand how these signals interact at a cellular level and why glucose levels are linked to cognitive decline.