Mice share structural, functional and genetic features with humans, making them useful for studying how the brain develops over time. Scientists have discovered a specific region of the brain in mice where aging causes significant changes in numerous cell types.. It also revealed which types of cells undergo the most profound changes. This research, published in the journal Nature, reveals potential ways in which the aging process in the human brain can be slowed or controlled, writes Earth.
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Scientists studied more than a million different brain cells in young and old mice. The study focused on numerous types of glial cells, which are the supporting cells of the brain and found to show significant changes in gene activity as we age..
Scientists have found that in the aging brain, the activity of genes associated with inflammation increased, while the activity of genes important for neuronal activity decreased..
Aging is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and many other devastating brain diseases, study authors say.. Study reveals which brain cells may be most affected by aging. Scientists believe that, based on the results of the study, new ways to treat brain diseases associated with aging can be obtained..
Scientists have discovered a concentration of these changes in brain cells in an area they call the “aging point,” located in the hypothalamus.. The cells that change the most with age are the cells and neurons that play important roles in food intake, energy homeostasis, metabolism, and how our bodies use nutrients..
Scientists believe these types of cells become less efficient at integrating signals from the environment or from the food people eat.. Loss of efficiency somehow contributes to the aging process throughout the human body, scientists say.
According to the study authors, there is a need to develop tools that can target these types of cells.. If their functionality is improved, it is likely that the aging process can be slowed down or controlled, which could increase life expectancy.
Focus also wrote about what scientists have learned about the connection between alcohol and Alzheimer's disease. Excessive alcohol consumption has been repeatedly confirmed by science as a real source of health problems..
However, scientists have found that it can help in the development of a deadly and destructive brain disease.
Focus also wrote that archaeologists have discovered traces of people where they should not be. These traces were left by ancient people 115,000 years ago.
Important! This article is based on and does not contradict the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice.. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.