Brain research offers hope to improve memory

- Wed, 29 Aug 2007


A breakthrough study by scientists in Munich has found that damaged brain cells can be replaced by stimulating other brain cells to transform into functioning nerve cells.

The study was conducted by Professor Dr Magdalena Gotz at the Institute of Stem Cell Research in Munich. Several years ago his research team discovered that the brain cells known as astroglia, which had previously been regarded as mere ‘glue’ holding the brain together, act as stem cells during a baby’s early development. These cells therefore have an inbuilt capacity to transform into functional nerve cells. But somehow this gets lost in later development so that in the event of an accident or injury the brain can no longer command these astroglia or ‘glia’ cells to create new nerve cells.

But now, according to Science Daily USA, Professor Dr Gotz and his team have identified a singular regulator protein which acts as the command switch that orders a 'glia' cell to become a functional nerve cell.

The discovery is an important milestone in brain research. Knowing how to create new nerve cells in the brain leads us one step closer to being able to reverse many kinds of brain deterioration. 

For the full Science Daily story click here:

Milestone In The Regeneration Of Brain Cells

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