The Adult Brain Does Grow New Neurons After All, Study Says

A new study points toward lifelong neuron formation in the human brain's hippocampus, with implications for memory and disease. From a report: For decades, scientists have debated whether the birth of new neurons -- called neurogenesis -- was possible in an area of the brain that is responsible for learning, memory and mood regulation. A growing body of research suggested they could, but then a Nature paper last year raised doubts. Now, a new study published today in another of the Nature family of journals -- Nature Medicine -- tips the balance back toward "yes." In light of the new study, "I would say that there is an overwhelming case for the neurogenesis throughout life in humans," Jonas Frisen, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, said in an e-mail. Frisen, who was not involved in the new research, wrote a News and Views about the study in the current issue of Nature Medicine.

Comments

I was always suspicious of this

[SuperKendall]

We all know people who are life-long learners, who have changed what they do successfully mid-life and go on to great success.

How could any of that really be possible if it was not possible to essentially re-wire your brain?

What I do think it true is that if you don't keep a focus on learning, on creating new connections, that like the rest of your body the brain can start to become rigid and inflexible and maybe truly loses the ability to create new neurons. But it's not true for everyone and just like even modest exercise helps the body, a modest amount of learning can keep the brain pliable.

Re:I was always suspicious of this

[Locke2005]

No, Trump was SMART: he picked better parents than you did!

Re:I was always suspicious of this

[Krishnoid]

Pliable, not so much -- the problem with growing new neurons at that age is that they're kind of stringy, so the thinking you get out of them is old and crotchety and has kind of a gamey feel to it.