Breakthrough: Find a 'brain replacement' method to treat neurological diseases

This method allows us to replace nerve cells that have been damaged in the brain with much healthier neurons.

This method allows us to replace nerve cells that have been damaged in the brain with much healthier neurons.

Recently Rutgers University (USA) scientists have successfully developed a new technique that allows " pumping " large amounts of healthy neurons into the brain instead of damaged nerve cells. .

Picture 1 of Breakthrough: Find a 'brain replacement' method to treat neurological diseases

Neurons are harmed to human life.

Specifically, scientists did this by injecting a tiny " frame " filled with healthy neurons into the brain. And though it has only been tested in mice, the team believes that this is the future for neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's , as well as other spinal and brain damage.

According to Prabhas V. Moghe, an expert from Rutgers University: " The more cells transplanted, the more positive the disease will be. We want to maximize the amount of cells in the smallest possible space. ".

Picture 2 of Breakthrough: Find a 'brain replacement' method to treat neurological diseases

Techniques for injecting healthy neurons into the brain.

To do so, scientists have to separate human multi-effect stem cells (iPS) and convert them into neurons cultured in an extremely small three-dimensional frame made of polymer fibers. This frame is only about 100 micrometers wide - the width of . a human hair.

After being filled with hundreds of healthy neurons, the frame will be " fired " directly into the brain to replace degenerated cells.

In experiments with mice, the added cells were successfully connected and began to transmit signals to the CNS.

Picture 3 of Breakthrough: Find a 'brain replacement' method to treat neurological diseases

New step for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

This is not the first time scientists have succeeded in replacing nerve cells. However, this new method ensures that not only are neurons successfully connected to the brain , but also the cell's ability to survive up to 100 times that of current methods.

Of course, we still cannot be sure that this method will work effectively in humans, because our brains are much more complex than mouse brains. However, scientists have a firm belief in its success in future trials.

The study is published in Nature Communication.

Update 12 December 2018
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