my daughters Kristin and Karen in Rio de Janeiro
Here are are a few stories that I have found interesting and I hope you will, too!
“The research shows that different factors that extend longevity affect cognitive function in very different ways, having both positive and negative effects over the course of an organism’s lifetime.”
‘Hyman said, “This is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are many possible effects of diet including over- and under-nutrition, on behavior in children with ASD that need to be scientifically investigated so families can make informed decisions about the therapies they choose for their children.”‘
“Due to these encouraging results, the researchers intend to pursue this avenue further to gain new neurons from the glial cells present in the brain, in order to find therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
2 Comments
Bianca Vasvani · May 23, 2010 at 5:58 pm
In this article a research team finds a major step in discovering a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or stroke. They converted glial cells of the brain into 2 different functional classes of neurons. They found that astroglia from the cerebral cortex of young mice, can be converted in to neurons by forced expression of special regulatory proteins. They were able to convert the astroglia into the two main classes of cortical neurons. This enables them to develop functioning synapses.
I found it interesting that the researchers were able to come up with these findings. They are now going to try and gain new neurons from the glial cells present in the brain, to find therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Their further research in this area could have a big impact on these types of diseases.
MeredithS · May 23, 2010 at 6:37 pm
The “exploring new avenues to brain repair” was really exciting to me. Alzheimers hits close to home, so when I hear of successful research or studies that show a step in the right direction to hopefully one day find a cure… I get really excited. It’s a terrible disease… so hopefully this study will go somewhere good : )
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