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Closer to a Solution for Repairing Brain Damage

Scientists have raised hopes that brain damage caused by strokes, stab wounds and even bullets could one day be repaired by converting structural cells into functioning neurons.

For the first time, they have managed to regenerate damaged areas of the cerebral cortex of living animals by transforming a type of support cell found in the brain.

The cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of tissue in the brain, is involved in controlling movement, interpreting the senses, conscious thought and memory. Usually almost no new neurons are grown in this area of the brain in adults, so once the cells are damaged or die, they are not replaced.

However, by injecting mice with viruses carrying a short piece of extra genetic code, scientists were able to coax structural cells, called NG2 glia, in the damaged part of the brain to develop into neurons. These then grew in the injured area and were found to be capable of receiving signals from neurons around the damaged area.

Link

So, on the one hand, this research is great and the possibility of repairing brain damage, regrowing neurons, treating Alzheimers is fantastic. On the other hand, they had to test this on mice whose brains they stabbed in order to create an injury to treat. Eek! Poor mice. Someone hurry up and invent the future so that we can test things in a holographic environment instead of on actual mice.

Also, i recently watched a movie where they used a virus to deliver a treatment for brain injury. It didn't end well for the human race. If they start developing an airborne application, we might want to consider being extra nice to our pet chimps is all i'm saying.

By min | November 21, 2014, 2:25 PM | Science