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The Neurofix
Article

The Neurofix

Aeon, 2015

audio autogenerado
audio autogenerado

Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Scientific
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

From age 20, human brains begin slowly shrinking, eventually leading to loss of cognitive and physical function in old age. Neural stem cell technology could heal and reverse the damage, returning quality of life to a vast, aging population. In her bittersweet essay, science writer Linda Marsa explains just how close neural stem cell research is to reversing many of the diseases of old age. Marsa explains how scientists have overcome ethical issues and immune system rejection, and cites successful studies to show the promise this research holds. getAbstract recommends her observations to anyone looking for some good news about the future of aging.

Take-Aways

  • Since the 1990s, stem cell research has progressed dramatically. Scientists can now convert adult cells into stem cells instead of using embryonic cells.
  • The body rejects stem cells, but the eyes, brain and spinal cord have a layer of protection that defends them against attack from the immune system.
  • Currently, researchers are investigating stem cell therapies that target the effects of common diseases of old age, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

About the Author

Linda Marsa is a contributing editor for Discover magazine. She wrote Fevered: Why a Hotter Planet Will Hurt Our Health.


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