Living Model Of Basic Units Of Human Brain Created
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 09:37
in Biology & Nature
Researchers are developing a novel new way to model how the human brain works by creating a living representation of the brain. They are using cells originally from a tumor which have been ‘reprogrammed’ to stop multiplying. Using the same natural molecule the body does to stimulate cellular development, the cells are turned into a co-culture of nerve cells and astrocytes - the most basic units of the human brain. The research could lead to improved treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.