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This week: the bionic pancreas, and an experimental Alzheimer's medication

People with Type 1 diabetes would not have to check their blood sugar levels 12 times a day or worry about wild fluctuations while they slept if an experimental bionic pancreas works as designed, says Dr. Ruth Weinstock, medical director of Upstate Medical University's Joslin Diabetes Center.

"It's not a cure, but it's definitely a step forward," Dr. Weinstock says.

This week, how the artificial pancreas works.

Then, researchers at Upstate Medical University are seeking patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's diseases for a national study of a promising new medication. Neurologist Dr. Amy Sanders says the drug may have the potential to modify the pace of the disease.

Participants must be between the ages of 55 and 85 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and currently taking donepezil, or Aricept.