Book of the Week: Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development
Have you ever wondered how we develop from embryos to adults, with our brains becoming fully functional? In Building Brians, the author introduces the basic mechanisms by which a brain develops, covering how cells in early embryo become neurons, specialize in functions, and make connections to one another that are constantly refined with neural activity later in life. It also highlights disorders resulting from abnormal developments and how understanding the development of healthy brains will bring great benefits to medical and technological fields. Enjoy the book and take a deeper look inside the brain!
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Neuro-Talk:
Neurogenesis, the growth of new and fully functional brain cells, was believed to be impossible in adulthood for a long time. Now, however, some scientific research has shown that adult neurogenesis can happen in at least two brain regions — the hippocampus and the subventricular zone — although much debate still revolves around this topic. This video delves into the world of neurogenesis, offers a brief overview of neural development and sheds lights on adult neurogenesis. It also introduces some scientific evidence that suggests the possibility of growing new brain cells through exercising and getting better sleep. Take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr7L0BYLA88
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis affect millions of people in the world, yet human brains have limited ability to grow new brain cells and repair the damage wreaked. Studies on stem cells and neurogenesis have great therapeutical promise, though. There are two essential approaches with which we can repair a damaged brain: 1. Activate the growth of stem cells already present in the brain through new drugs. 2. Transplant stem cells from outside the brain and generate new nerve cells. With those medical advances, regeneration and hope are not far beyond the horizon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FQXicAGy5U
Using Novel Neurons, Scientists Seek to Repair the Brain
Neuro-Quest:
What is neurogenesis? / Adult neurogenesis
Neurogenesis, simply put, is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. It is crucial in embryonic development but also continues in certain brain regions after birth and throughout our lifespan. Read those two articles to learn more about how stem cells differentiate to form neurons and glial cells, as well as how the process takes place in adult brains.
Science in Debate: Does your brain produce new cells? / State of Science 2019: Can We Grow New Brain Cells?
Do adult brains produce new cells? If so, to what extent? For decades, adult neurogenesis has been a matter of hot debate with no definite conclusions — as if a ping-pong ball being hit back and forth in the air: while a group of studies claims to find determining evidence, others suggest that adult neurogenesis is limited and significant, if not nonexistent. To complicate the issue even more, two recent studies offer entirely contradictory evidence, with one finding no neurogenesis during human adulthood, while the other demonstrates otherwise. The first article that we selected highlights the decades-long debate on adult neurogenesis and the second article gives a brief summary of the two recent studies — another example of how confounding scientific discoveries can oftentimes become. Take a look.
For articles giving comprehensive reports on the two new studies, click here: Humans produce new brain cells throughout their lives, say researchers / Does the Adult Brain Really Grow New Neurons?
Stem cell brain implants could ‘slow aging and extend life’, study shows
A group of researchers has previously found that the disappearance of neural stem cells in the hippocampal region plays an important role in aging. Subsequent experiments that injected fresh neural stem cells in mice indeed increased their longevity. It seems that microRNAs released by those stem cells can control gene expression and help maintain youth. However, further studies are still needed to fully understand the complex process of aging and its connection with neural stem cells.
