When it comes to scientific research much of the media and public attention is focused on scientists who are working on clinical trials, where therapies are tested in people. But basic or discovery research, while less glamorous, is just as important. Without that basic work we would never develop ideas and approaches that ultimately lead to clinical trials. In this episode we talk to three researchers working on early stage science, and show how what they have done might just have led to a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.