Science Snapshots: April 19, 2026

Researchers have found excess sugar causes a modification to build up on a protein called Creb3, which then activates a gene that boosts the production of lactate in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory centre. Excessive lactate kills brain cells, leading to cognitive impairment. A large study confirmed high blood lactate is a risk factor for memory loss in people with diabetes. The team developed a peptide that, in diabetic mice, lowered lactate levels, preserving cognitive function.