Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 13 Feb 2016

1. Have scientists discovered a way to prevent Alzheimer's?

Scientists are celebrating a major breakthrough in the battle against dementia after discovering a cancer drug can prevent the disease. The development could lead to millions of Brits being given "neurostatins" to slash their risk of Alzheimer's. The researchers at the University of Cambridge hope their findings will enable GPs to offer the drug.

2. David Cameron: we'll never retreat from the world

David Cameron says the UK will never "retreat from the world" and has reaffirmed his position that it is in Europe's interests for the UK to stay in a reformed EU. Speaking in Hamburg, the prime minister argued that the reforms he was seeking to UK membership would make Europe "more outward-looking, competitive and dynamic".

3. President Assad says he will retake all of Syria

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has vowed to regain control over the whole of his war-torn country, reports The Independent. In a move that casts further doubt on a shaky international agreement to halt the fighting after almost five years of bloodshed, he said that his troops would “without any hesitation” try to retake all territory lost to rebel groups.

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4. A million stolen bank cards for sale on website

One million stolen bank cards are for sale on a fraud site, reports The Times. The banking details of more than a million customers worldwide can be bought for as little as £1.67 each from the illegal website. The revelation is seen as further evidence that law enforcers are failing miserably in the fight against online fraud, which is believed to cost Britain’s economy at least £27bn a year.

5. Government plans 'UK Alcatraz' for terror convicts

The government is considering a single secure prison unit for Islamist terrorists, says The Guardian. In a proposal that is alarming prison chiefs, the government wants to replace the dispersal system with British ‘Alcatraz’ to house convicted terrorists. A counter-terror expert warned that bringing together all Islamist inmates in one “jail within a jail” risks creating a focal point for public protests.

6. Whistleblower exposes reality of 'free range' hens

Farms which claim to be free-range are cramming up to 16,000 birds on to multiple tiers under one roof to cut costs. A whistleblower has exposed the acceleration to large industrial units, which he says are squeezing out traditional family farms. Although shoppers are led to believe the hens roam on grass, many spend little time outside their “high rise” hangars, Dan Wood said.

7. Is Obama about to lift the blockade on Cuba?

The US could be set to lift its blockade on Cuba. Barack Obama hopes to become the first US president since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis to set foot on the island. If his plans come to fruition he will visit Havana before he leaves the White House at the end of his presidential term. The Mirror says ordinary Cubans are praying for the economic boost they would enjoy from such a development.

8. Osborne plan threatens 'retirement crisis' for millions

Millions will face a "retirement crisis" if George Osborne presses on with a multi-billion pound raid on pensions, according to new analysis. The chancellor is considering plans to end more generous rebates for higher rate taxpayers on pension contributions and replace them with a flat rate of relief which could be as low as 20%.

9. Iceberg blockade kills 150,000 penguins

Around 150,000 penguins living in Antarctica have died after an iceberg the size of Rome forced them to walk 60km to the sea for food. The penguins, which were based in Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay, lived close to a large body of open water until colossal iceberg measuring 2900sq km became trapped in the bay, rendering the area effectively landlocked.

10. Van Gaal: Jose talks would disappoint me

Louis van Gaal says he would be "disappointed" if Manchester United have spoken to Jose Mourinho. His Old Trafford side are at Sunderland today in the lunchtime kick-off. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez says last season's battle against relegation has helped Leicester in their challenge for the Premier League title this time round. The Foxes are at Arsenal tomorrow.