Protein misfolding cyclic amplification

Proteins are like Lego blocks that our bodies use to make all sorts of things. Sometimes, these Lego blocks can get mixed up and not fit together the right way. When this happens, it's called "misfolding."

When proteins misfold, they can stick together and form clumps called "amyloid fibrils." These clumps are bad for our bodies and can cause diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mad cow disease.

Scientists found a way to study these clumps without needing a lot of them. It's called "protein misfolding cyclic amplification" or PMCA for short. It's like taking a tiny piece of Lego and using a special machine to make lots and lots of copies of it until you have enough to study.

With PMCA, scientists can study the amyloid fibrils that form when proteins misfold and learn more about how they work. This helps them find new treatments for diseases caused by these clumps.