Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Damaged brains helped by stem cell therapy

Source: United Press International
Posted: June 3, 2008 at 2:10 PM EDT

Summary:

United Press International reports researchers have discovered how neural stem cells might be able to repair damaged brains:

U.S. medical scientists say they have found a way in which neuronal stem cells in the adult brain might be used in treating brain injuries. According to some experts, newly born adult neuronal brain stem cells could help repair brain injuries, but first a way must be found to regulate the manner in which they are created -- a process known as neurogenesis.

The study also found that hypothermia can control the growth of new nerve cells:

"According to the study, neurogenesis can be regulated through induced hypothermia. In rat subjects, a mild decrease in body temperature was found to substantially decrease the proliferation of newly-born neurons, the researchers said."