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Posted on Oct 10, 2002, 7 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
It is now widely accepted that the adult brain is capable of growing new cells, although whether or not these cells are functional has been the subject of some debate. However, results of a new study have found that newly formed brain cells in the brains of adult mice appear to mature into normal fully functioning neurons, thus suggesting that the same may be true for humans.
It is now widely accepted that the adult brain is capable of growing new cells, although whether or not these cells are functional has been the subject of some debate. However, results of a new study have found that newly formed brain cells in the brains of adult mice appear to mature into normal fully functioning neurons, thus suggesting that the same may be true for humans. According to Dr Fred H Gage and his colleagues, the new cells could be used to repair areas of the brain damaged by stoke etc., or could simply replace older dying neurons.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Nature 2002; 415:1030-1034
