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Cell death promotes learning growth

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that cell death promotes learning and growth in the brain. The research found that rats with lower levels of cell death performed better in spatial learning tasks, suggesting a positive correlation between cell death and cognitive function.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 2003

FGF-2 to the rescue following traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that FGF-2 supplementation limits existing neuron loss while promoting new neuron generation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus following traumatic brain injury. This approach may offer a rational strategy for treating brain injury by enhancing neurogenesis and reducing neurodegeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2003

JCI table of contents, 15 October, 2003

Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) boosts new brain cell production and protects existing neurons from degeneration following traumatic brain injury. The study suggests FGF-2 supplementation may improve TBI outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2003

Chemicals used to protect soldiers in 1991 Gulf War can damage testes, animal studies show

A combination of DEET, permethrin, and pyridostigmine bromide may have inadvertently damaged Gulf War soldiers' testes and sperm production, according to a Duke University Medical Center study. The chemicals caused extensive cell degeneration and cell death in rats, leading to severe testicular damage.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health·DateJan 8, 2003

Enzyme once thought harmful to Alzheimer’s patients now appears key to future treatment

A new study suggests that galanin, previously thought to be detrimental to Alzheimer's patients, may actually enhance acetylcholine release from remaining cholinergic basal forebrain neurons. This compensatory role could delay disease progression and inform the development of galanin antagonists as a potential treatment option.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateMar 14, 2002

A key to depression

Scientists discovered that Prozac increases new neurons in rats' brains by 69% compared to controls. This finding may explain why people recover from depression with SSRIs. The study also suggests serotonin's role in treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 2, 1999