{
    "title": "Antwerp dementia researcher wins major science prize in US",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-19 10:44:27",
    "published_at": "2026-04-19 10:44:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/antwerp-dementia-researcher-wins-major-science-prize-in-us",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/iFCd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "antwerp-dementia-researcher-wins-major-science-prize-in-us",
    "body": "<p><strong>Rosa Rademakers, a scientist at VIB and University of Antwerp, has been awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Los Angeles for her work on the genetic causes of dementia.</strong></p><p>Rademakers and her team discovered a rare genetic mutation that plays a key role in both frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The finding has helped scientists better understand the link between the two conditions.</p><p>The breakthrough dates back to 2011, when Rademakers led research at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Her team identified an unusual repetition of a short DNA sequence in a gene known as C9ORF72. People without the diseases had only a few repeats, while those affected could have hundreds or even thousands.</p><p>Although most cases of ALS and frontotemporal dementia are not inherited, the discovery gave researchers a crucial lead. It accelerated global efforts to study disease mechanisms, find biomarkers and develop treatments. Several potential therapies are now being tested in clinical trials.</p><p>Rademakers shared the $3 million (&euro;2.4 million) prize with Bryan Traynor, whose team independently identified the same genetic abnormality.</p><p>The Breakthrough Prize, often dubbed the &ldquo;Oscars of science&rdquo;, is one of the world&rsquo;s most valuable awards for scientific achievement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>#FlandersNewsService | Professor Rosa Rademakers &copy; BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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