Thursday, November 08, 2007

Imaging neural progenitor cells in the living human brain

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Date: November 8, 2007

Summary:

For the first time, investigators have identified a way to detect neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which can develop into neurons and other nervous system cells, in the living human brain using a type of imaging called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The finding, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for depression, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, and a host of other disorders.