This new challenge asks multidisciplinary teams find innovative ways to probe existing databases to identify sex differences in Alzheimer's. Women face twice the risk for AD as men, but the reasons for that are unclear. Men's and women's brains are different structurally and functionally, noted Phyllis Greenberger of the Society of Women's Health Research. "Studying the science of sex differences will transform our understanding of neurological disorders in men and women, and will accelerate better prevention and treatments," she said at the gala.

Applicants can tackle gender differences in six areas of research: rate of disease progression; the role of cardiovascular risk factors; antecedent biomarkers; maternal and paternal patterns of inheritance; prevention interventions; and treatment for cognitive decline. The National Institute on Aging will provide technical support for mining the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center databases.

Proposals are due by 31 August 2013 at 5 p.m. For details or to submit your entry, visit the challenge website and check out the YouTube video.—Tom Fagan.