Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso are exploring the potential of caffeic acid–based carbon quantum dots (CACQD) derived from spent coffee grounds as a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The study, led by graduate student Jyotish Kumar, has shown that these quantum dots can protect brain cells from toxins linked to Parkinson's and prevent damaging proteins associated with neurodegeneration. While the research is still in the early stages and has not moved to animal or human trials, it is a step toward developing a drug that could help prevent these conditions, especially if the disease can be identified early. The work reflects a growing interdisciplinary approach to tackling neurodegenerative disorders and builds on existing low-tech strategies for reducing risk factors.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.