The brain is a marvel of evolution, but in some animals, it has a few limitations. Unfortunately for humans, our brains are mostly incapable of generating new neurons. This inability becomes particularly problematic when the brain is affected by neurodegenerative disorders.
To treat neurodegenerative diseases, scientists can create new neurons from stem cells. In no time, new neurons can replace lost ones, and take over their job. A glaring drawback of this method is that these cells are formed outside the body and need to be transplanted into the brain. To date, this is the preferred method to repopulate lost neurons, but it’s far from ideal.
Transferring lab-grown neurons into animal brains reduces the cells’ viability — their chances of integrating well into the tissue — and the efficiency with which they can restore function. So scientists at Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence fashioned a method to regenerate neurons inside the brain. The method is similar to how one would revive a dying plant: by nurturing it with the right conditions for it to grow new leaves.
Name of Author: Sahana Sitaraman