Most cells in the body can patch up damage by dividing to create new versions of themselves. But the neurons in our brain lack this ability, so once they’re damaged through illness or injury, there’s not much that can be done. Worse still, in an overzealous attempt to protect the injured site, glial cells form scar tissue around damaged brain regions, which can reduce what little neuron growth there might be and prevent neurons from effectively communicating with each other. The good news is scientists have found a way to reverse this process in lab conditions with the help of a chemical formula to efficiently turn these scar tissue builders into neurons. The converted nerve cells proved to function as well as normal neurons would in the brain, forming networks and communicating effectively with each other. The remarkable technique could eventually lead to pills that treat brain injuries, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.
New discovery could lead to medicine that enables the brain to heal itself
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