Source: Xinhua
04-24-2009 15:31
Special Report: Tech MaxSHANGHAI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese neuroscientists are beginning new research on changing the nature of brain neurons after disproving theories that neurons can change themselves to replace cells damaged by strokes or by diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
 |
| The diameter of an individual brain neuron is 4 microns, meaning 30,000 could fit on the head of a pin.(File photo) |
A group of nine scientists from Shanghai and Guangzhou found that neuroblasts -- cells that transform into nerve cells or neurons -- did not generate into neurons like those that had been damaged.
Previously, scientists had hoped new neurons produced after a brain injury like a stroke could reach injured areas to replace damaged cells.
The Chinese study refuted the research direction, and indicated "external intervention" could induce neuroblasts to alter into appropriately functional neurons.
The study was explained in an article carried in the U.S.-based Journal of Neuroscience Wednesday.
Yang Zhengang, of Shanghai-based Fudan University, who led the study, told Xinhua on Thursday that his future study would focus on exploring genetic modification methods to trigger changes in cells that could replace the functions of the damaged ones.
