Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
13 results for "astrocytes"
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered how to activate the brain's own cleaning crew to fight Alzheimer's disease. By boosting a single protein, they helped mice with memory problems clear harmful plaques and preserve brain function.
Scientists are discovering that astrocytes, star-shaped cells in our brains, do far more than support neurons. These unsung heroes could unlock breakthrough treatments for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
Scientists found that support cells called astrocytes actually control when you feel full after eating. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for obesity and eating disorders.
Your brain's fullness signal doesn't come from neurons alone. Researchers discovered that support cells called astrocytes play a starring role in telling you when to stop eating.
Researchers discovered how to activate the brain's natural cleanup system to remove Alzheimer's plaques and preserve memory in mice. By boosting a single protein in support cells, they helped brains defend themselves against the disease.
Researchers at Washington University have engineered brain cells to hunt down and destroy Alzheimer's plaques with just a single injection. In mice, the treatment completely prevented plaques when given early and cut existing plaques in half.
Scientists boosted a protein in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms and watched their brains start cleaning themselves. The approach cleared toxic plaques and preserved memory, offering hope for the millions facing cognitive decline.
Scientists discovered that brain support cells located far from spinal cord injuries send signals that help clean up damage and promote healing. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for paralysis, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
Scientists turned brain support cells into amyloid-eating machines that slashed Alzheimer's plaques by half in mice. A single injection could offer lasting protection without the risks of current drugs.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F93%2Ff1%2F93f122da-1412-426e-a07e-e6398c36bdca%2Fbrain1940__fitmaxwzk3mcw2ntbd.jpg)
Scientists studying donated brains discovered that people in their 80s with exceptional memory have twice as many new neurons as their peers. The finding suggests our aging brains can regenerate far more than previously thought.
Multiple research teams discovered that aggressive lung cancer cells form actual connections with brain neurons, and drugs that block these connections slow tumor growth in mice. The breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for one of the deadliest cancers.
Scientists are voting on the year's most exciting medical advances, from an ALS genetic test to dental floss that tracks stress levels. The competition showcases 64 innovations that could change millions of lives.
The FDA has accepted a groundbreaking treatment for Alexander disease for priority review, offering hope to families battling a rare neurological condition that has no approved therapies. If approved by September, zilganersen would become the first medicine ever available for this devastating illness.