Imagine diagnosing one of the most challenging neurological diseases with just a quick finger-prick, a few drops of blood and a test sent in the post. This may sound like science fiction, but we are hoping our research could soon help it become a reality.

Our team at the UK Dementia Research Institute’s Biomarker Factory at UCL are part of the global effort working to develop and validate a test for Alzheimer’s disease. We’re currently working to overcome the various technical challenges facing these tests so that this test can one day soon be available to the broader public.

What do finger-prick tests look for?

At their core, these finger-prick tests are designed to detect specific biomarkers.
Biomarkers are biological molecules found in the blood which indicate signs of disease. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, the brain gradually accumulates abnormal proteins. These proteins form structures such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles which damage the brain’s neural networks. They’re also involved in brain inflammation.

These abnormal proteins can be detected in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and, importantly, the blood years before symptoms arise.

Recently, research has also shown these biomarkers can be measured in dried blood samples from a simple finger-prick. A study focusing on 337 people showed that these dried blood samples can reliably detect Alzheimer’s-related changes in biomarkers with a diagnostic accuracy of around 86% compared to conventional methods.

Once refined and validated, these tests could aid with early detection, screening at-risk people, tracking disease progression or even evaluating the effectiveness of emerging treatments.

What are the shortcomings of current diagnostic tools?

In addition to cognitive tests (which check for cognitive decline and memory problems), there are currently two robust approaches for diagnosing signs of Alzheimer’s in the brain.

The first is PET imaging. These scans detect disease characteristics using radioactive tracers which light up areas of the brain where tangles and plaques may be present. However, PET scans are expensive, use radioactivity and require specialist facilities.

The second method uses a spinal tap to extract cerebrospinal fluid (the clear, colourless liquid that protects the brain and extracts waste). This looks for the same biomarkers as finger-prick tests. However, this method is invasive and can be painful and stressful to patients. Some people also may not be eligible to have it done.

Cognitive tests also have shortcomings. As a result, people whose first language isn’t the one in which the test is being administered, or those who have other health conditions that also cause cognitive problems, may be misdiagnosed.

And, while cognitive testing can give an idea about a potential issue, these tests alone can’t tell us what specific condition is causing symptoms. This can also lead to misdiagnosis.

Even traditional blood tests done in a clinic have limitations. These tests require immediate processing (or refrigeration) and careful handling to avoid influencing biomarker levels. This makes traditional blood tests impractical for large-scale, population-level screening – particularly in underserved or rural regions.

By contrast, the finger-prick test we’re developing can be done at home and posted to a lab without refrigeration.

What are we working on in the lab?

Our lab is currently working to improve the sensitivity, reliability and real-world usability of these finger-prick tests.

We’re currently experimenting with different, sensitive biomarker detection methods – using just tiny volumes of blood collected from either the finger or the vein and seeing how these compare.

Alongside tau and amyloid, we’re also testing other proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and various neurodegenerative disorders – such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

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Our hope with these tests is not only to identify Alzheimer’s disease, but to catch it before irreversible brain damage occurs. This would open a window for early intervention.

With novel therapies emerging that may slow the disease, early identification is critical.

What challenges have we encountered?

Designing these tests hasn’t been straightforward. We’ve encountered a few major hurdles along the way.

The first hurdle we encountered had to do with the biomarkers themselves.

Alzheimer’s biomarker levels are often much lower in the blood than they are in cerebrospinal fluid. So the technological methods needed to measure them accurately had to be very sensitive.

Another obstacle we encountered related to sample quality. Without refrigeration, the proteins can degrade – giving inaccurate readings and potentially misdiagnoses. So we’re currently working to develop collection and mailing methods that ensure these dried blood proteins are stable and don’t degrade before testing.

Data interpretation has also been a challenge. Although these tests are accurate for the majority of cases, we still need to figure out how to interpret outliers – such as participants who have high biomarker levels without other signs of the disease, and those who have low biomarker levels with significant signs of the disease. So even when we detect elevated biomarkers, interpreting what that means for a person’s Alzheimer’s risk is complex.

Alzheimer’s biomarkers are also not exclusive to the disease. Similar biomarkers can occur in other neurological conditions such as vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, and even in otherwise asymptomatic people or even healthy newborns.

We’ve since refined our tests so they’re more sensitive and have sourced and are currently comparing devices that make at-home sample collection easier. These solutions are steadily improving test reliability.

What could our work mean for Alzheimer’s diagnosis?

It’s important to emphasise that these tests are still at least a few years away from routine use. But, if validated, finger-prick tests could revolutionise Alzheimer’s diagnosis in several ways.

It would allow for earlier detection of the disease and broaden access for patients. It would also enable larger, more diverse population studies to be conducted – reducing historical gaps in Alzheimer’s research and improving our understanding of the disease globally.

The idea of diagnosing Alzheimer’s with a quick, finger-prick test marks a profound shift in how we could approach neurodegenerative diseases. Moving beyond invasive, costly procedures toward accessible, patient-friendly diagnostics carries enormous potential — for patients, their families and future research.

A MAN was reportedly sexually assaulted while walking on a street in an industrial town.

The victim was confronted and assaulted by the attacker at 3:30pm on 22 December 2025 on William Street, Sittingbourne.

Kent Police have released an e-fit image of the suspect and are calling for anyone who recognise him to contact them.

The suspect first approached the man and made sexual comments to him before touching him over his clothes.

He is described as 5 foot 5 inches tall, spoke broken English, and was wearing a black bomber jacket and jeans at the time of the incident.

Anyone who recognises the man can contact Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting reference 46/218884/25. 

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TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The search for “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother still had no suspect or person of interest Wednesday, authorities said, four days after she disappeared with signs of forced entry at her home in southern Arizona.

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will over the weekend and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said they don’t have credible information indicating Guthrie’s disappearance was targeted. Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials do not believe she left on her own. Nanos said she is of sound mind.

“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement on social media Wednesday. “Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family.”

Multiple media organizations reported receiving purported ransom notes Tuesday that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department has said it’s taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

The Pima County sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief urged the public to offer tips during a news conference Tuesday. Nanos has said Guthrie needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”

Authorities say Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her home in the Tucson area, where she lived alone, and she was reported missing midday Sunday. Someone at her church called a family member to say she was not there, leading family to search her home and then call 911.

DNA samples have been gathered and submitted for analysis as part of the investigation. “We’ve gotten some back, but nothing to indicate any suspects,” Nanos said.

There were signs of forced entry at Guthrie’s home, evidence of a nighttime kidnapping, and several personal items were still there, including Guthrie’s cellphone, wallet and car, according to a person familiar with the investigation, who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of an anonymity. Investigators were reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes and information from area license plate cameras and analyzing local cellphone towers data.

For a third day Wednesday, “Today” opened with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, but Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor’s desk. NBC Sports said Tuesday that Guthrie will not be covering the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics “as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time.”

The “Today” host grew up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson television station KVOA. Her parents settled in Tucson in the 1970s when she was a young child. The youngest of three siblings, she credits her mom with holding their family together after her father died of a heart attack at 49, when Savannah was just 16.

___

Billeaud reported from Phoenix and Balsamo from Washington.

COPS have arrested two more people after a baby boy was fatally mauled by an XL Bully.

Jonte William Bluck was just nine months old when the family pet attacked him, causing him to suffer serious head wounds.

He was being looked after by his 30-year-old construction worker father Jarrod Bluck when the dog went for him.

Jonte tragically died before reaching hospital in an ambulance that had collected him from Jarrold’s home in in Rogiet, South Wales.

The six-year-old black dog was later put down.

Now the force has confirmed they have made two more arrests in connection with Jonte’s death.

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A man in his 30s and a woman in her 60s have been nicked on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The pair of Chepstow, have been bailed as the investigation continues.

Detectives previously arrested a man in his 30s and woman in her 20s on suspicion of being in charge of the “dangerously out of control” dog following Jonte’s death in November.

They remain on bail having also been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: “I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities, but I’d like to remind people that this continues to be a live criminal investigation.

“We urge people not to speculate, and to think about how that speculation, particularly online commentary, can impact the investigation

“Once again, our condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic death, both within the community and further afield.”

An inquest heard Jonte was bitten by the family pet while staying at his father’s home in Rogiet, Gwent, on November 2.

Neighbours feared the six-year-old dog was spooked by fireworks going off outside in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Area coroner Rose Farmer said: “Jonte William Bluck sadly passed away on the 2nd of November 2025 at his home address.

“The brief circumstances are that on the 2nd of November he was staying at the home of his father when he was bitten by the family dog.

“He was conveyed to the Grange University Hospital but died prior to arrival.

“An inquest has been opened as there is reason to suspect that he died as a result of a dog bite.”

A provisional cause of death was given as a compressive head injury, consistent with a dog bite.

The inquest was adjourned until August 4, 2026.

Police said the dog involved in the incident was a six-year-old XL bully, which was registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and a certificate of exemption was issued in 2024.

The family dog was put down after it was seized – and later confirmed as a legally-owned black male XL Bully.

Harrison Ford has made a startling confession about his long, extraordinary career: He’d be fine with it ending now.

Speaking on Tuesday during Apple TV’s first-ever press day in Santa Monica, the Hollywood icon reflected on his future while discussing Shrinking, the acclaimed comedy-drama that has clearly become one of his most cherished projects.

The comedy-drama follows therapist Jimmy (Jason), whose life is turned upside down after the sudden death of his wife, Tia. Wracked by grief, he must navigate this unexpected era of his life with the help of friends, family and inner strength.

Infused with heartfelt humour that will have you laughing out loud and a stark reflection of the messiness of life (and what makes it worth living), the new season is all about moving forward.

The series has just begun rolling out its third season, with a fourth already ordered, so there’s no shortage of runway left.

Still, when asked to consider the deeper questions raised by joining such a thoughtful show, Ford didn’t shy away from the idea that this chapter might be enough.

He told the panel audience, including Metro: ‘If it was all over here that would be sufficient for me. This is very special for me and it really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life, and I’m happy I’ve found it here.’

Moderator Ashley Nicole Black summed up the room’s emotional reaction well: ‘There’s never been a better place to end a panel.’

The warmth of Ford’s comments echoed the tone of the entire Shrinking conversation.

Castmates Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley spent much of the hour trading praise and jokes.

Co-star Jason Segal has previously addressed the complex emotions of working with the great Harrison Ford, telling Metro: ‘There’s something so meta about the dialogue that Paul delivers.

‘It was especially true in the finale of season two, when Paul is saying: “I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be doing this job, but it’s an honour to be doing it with you all”, and “you’re my family right now”.’

‘We’re sitting there weeping disproportionate to the scene because who knows if Harrison Ford does another TV show? You know what I mean? He’s talking to us [in real life] as well.’

During the panel, Ford also addressed one of the new season’s most meaningful additions: Michael J. Fox, who appears in three episodes. It’s a poignant casting choice, given that Fox has lived with Parkinson’s disease since 1991, while Ford’s character is navigating the condition on screen.

‘It was a bit daunting when I thought about it,’ Ford admitted. “’Because I am representing a character that has Parkinson’s, and Michael, of course, has the real thing. I have a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right.’

He continued: ‘Michael is a really extraordinary fellow, it was an extraordinary presence to work with some of that I hope will help colour my portrayal of someone with Parkinson’s. He’s a remarkable example.’

Then, with a grin, he added: ‘That’s the serious part of it. But the fun part was there as well. He’s so funny.’

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Saif al Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s late dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been shot dead by gunmen who broke into his home, officials have said.

The 53-year-old was killed during a “direct confrontation” with four armed men in the Libyan town of Zintan, south-west of the capital Tripoli, his office said in a statement on Tuesday.

His lawyer, Khaled al Zaidi, and separately his adviser Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim, both confirmed his death on Facebook, without providing details.

Despite holding no official position, the second son of the longtime dictator, was once seen as the most powerful figure in the ⁠oil-rich North African country after his father, who ruled for more than four decades.

Saif al Islam Gaddafi shaped policy and was involved in high-profile diplomacy, including talks on weapons of mass destruction and compensation for the families of those killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland in 1988.

Educated at the London School of ​Economics and a fluent English speaker, he was once seen by many governments as the acceptable, Western-friendly face of Libya.

But when a rebellion broke out against his father’s regime in 2011, he became an architect of ‍a brutal crackdown on rebels.

After fighters took over the capital, he was captured attempting to flee to neighbouring Niger – about a month after his father was hunted down and shot dead by rebels.

In 2015, a Libyan court sentenced him to death for war crimes. He was also wanted by the International Criminal Court, accused of crimes against humanity.

He spent six years detained in the town of Zintan. It was a far cry from the charmed life he had lived during his father’s rule when he had pet tigers and mingled with high society on trips abroad. He was released by the militia in 2017 under an amnesty.

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In 2021, he attempted to run for president, but was opposed by many who had suffered at the hands of his father’s rule. He was also disqualified from the election because of his 2015 conviction.

His candidacy became a point of contention and the election process stalled amid arguments between powerful armed groups.

In an interview with The New York Times Magazine in 2021, he discussed his political ​strategy.

“I’ve been away from the Libyan people for 10 years,” he said.

“You need to come back slowly, slowly. Like a striptease. You need to play with their minds a little.”

Libya remains deeply divided, with rival administrations in the east and west, after the nation descended into anarchy following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

The former dictator was killed by opposition fighters during the uprising, which turned into a civil war. Most of his eight children had significant roles in government.

Soap fans, get ready: former Emmerdale favourite Kelli Hollis is back on our screens, but this time, she’s swapping the Dales for the cobbles of Coronation Street.

Kelli, who played Ali Spencer on Emmerdale between 2011 and 2015, is returning to the soap world 11 years after leaving the village. Since then, she’s kept busy with roles on Ackley Bridge, Waterloo Road, and Doctors, proving her versatility across some of British TV’s most loved dramas. Now, she’s set to make a splash in Weatherfield with a brand-new, prison-based storyline.

Her character will be one of the inmates at the women’s prison where Debbie Webster is serving time. For those catching up on Corrie drama, Debbie landed behind bars after taking the fall for her secret son Carl, who was driving under the influence the night of the Corriedale multi-vehicle crash. It’s a tough spot for Debbie, and Kelli’s ‘Queen Bee’ inmate is about to make her life even more complicated.

According to The Sun, Hollis’s character is a central figure in the prison hierarchy, the kind of inmate who runs the place and makes sure everyone knows it. And she won’t just be keeping an eye on Debbie; there’s already some friction brewing with Lou Michaelis, another returning Corrie baddie played by Farrel Hegarty. Lou, who fans last saw stirring trouble on the cobbles, is now Debbie’s ‘support buddy’ thanks to Debbie’s early-onset dementia diagnosis.

But as the insider puts it, ‘It’s not exactly a match made in heaven. Debbie isn’t too chuffed to see Lou standing in front of her, and Lou doesn’t look too thrilled either, so it seems to be a mutual feeling.’

If you’ve been following Debbie’s storyline, you’ll know it’s already full of tension. She’s adjusting to life behind bars, managing her dementia, and recovering from a recent mini-stroke. Add Kelli Hollis’s authoritative inmate to the mix, and it’s clear that prison life in Weatherfield is anything but dull.

Fans can expect some classic soap tension: rivalries, alliances, and a little bit of scheming as Debbie tries to navigate the prison’s social hierarchy. Kelli’s character is being described as a ‘Queen Bee,’ which means she’s bound to cross paths and perhaps clash with Debbie more than once. Will they become frenemies, or is this the start of another Corrie disaster? Only time will tell.

For Kelli, this is a major return to soaps after a significant break from acting. Her Ali Spencer days in Emmerdale left fans remembering her as a strong, feisty character who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Now, she’s bringing that same energy to Coronation Street, but in a completely different setting.

With the combination of Debbie’s struggles, Lou’s return, and Kelli’s formidable presence, this storyline is shaping up to be explosive.

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North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about people thought to be involved in an incident which took place in York on Sunday evening (February 1).

As reported by The Press at the time, it happened just after 10pm at a property in Del Pyke in The Groves, with two people – a man and a woman – receiving wounds from a knife which required hospital treatment.

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A third person, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing cocaine; he has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

“We believe at least two other people were involved in the incident. A number of people were seen running away from the scene, northwards, away from the junction of Del Pyke and Townend Street,” said a spokesperson for the force.

If you have any information about the incident and has not already spoken to officers, please call 101 and pass information for incident number 12260019706.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Jordan Nisbet offered his unsuspecting victims gutter and wheelie bin cleaning services, but disappeared after taking their money.

A serial conman who targeted old folk in Wishaw has been jailed for nearly three years.

Jordan Nisbet offered his unsuspecting victims gutter and wheelie bin cleaning services, but disappeared after taking their money.

The 29-year-old, who has a long record for this type of crime, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

He admitted theft, fraud and robbery charges spanning a five-week period in October and November last year.

The court heard he got £30 from a couple in their 80s in Miller Street after promising to clean their gutters.

Two victims in their 70s in Caledonian Road and Carfin Road, Craigneuk, were each conned out of £18.

They handed over the money after Nisbet told them of his wheelie bin cleaning service. He also stole cash from the Carfin Road address.

Nisbert then robbed a woman of her handbag and purse at Caledonian Retail Park.

Sheriff Louise Gallacher jailed him for 32 months.

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Nisbet had not long completed a 40-month prison sentence when he was caught.

In 2024 he admitted conning householders over gutter work, stealing three piggy banks containing cash from a school and grabbing a charity tin from a shop.

Cash problems have been blamed for his behaviour which have led to a series of jail sentences.

Previously his lawyer told the court: “His crimes are doomed to fail because he lives in Wishaw, is easily recognisable and, given his record, is an immediate suspect for the police.”

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A court hearing was held in Cambridge regarding charges faced by Anthony Williams.

A provisional trial date has been set for the man accused of a mass stabbing on a train in Huntingdon. A hearing took place at Cambridge Crown Court for Anthony Williams, 32, on Wednesday (February 4).

Williams, of Langford Road, Peterborough, has been charged in relation to a knife attack on a LNER train that diverted to Huntingdon on November 1. Gillian Jones KC, defending Williams, said he is currently at Rampton Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital, in Nottinghamshire.

Judge Mark Bishop ordered that a report about the defendant’s fitness to plead should be prepared by April 7. The case has been adjourned until April 14 for a mention hearing.

Williams is charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and actual bodily harm in connection with the attack on November 1.

He is also charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London, and attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man in Peterborough on October 31.

Other charges, which will be considered alongside the above, include attempted wounding with intent of a 28-year-old man, possession of a bladed article, and affray in Peterborough on October 31.

He was also charged with common assault of a 31-year-old man on a train travelling between Hitchin and Biggleswade on November 1. A provisional trial date of June 22 has been set.