Oldest Human Brain Cells Grown
Scientists grow human brain cells in lab for 7 years, recording passage of time
Introduction To Brain Organoids
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, successfully growing human brain cells in a lab for a record seven years. These tiny clumps of cells, known as brain organoids, have been found to age similarly to those inside the human head, suggesting they "recorded the passage of time." This breakthrough has significant implications for our understanding of the human brain and could potentially lead to new treatments for a range of disorders.The Science Behind Brain Organoids
Brain organoids are grown from stem cells and are used by scientists to study the development of the human brain. Normally, these organoids live for only a few months, providing a limited window into the earliest stages of brain development. However, a U.S.-led team of researchers has successfully grown brain organoids for seven years, making them the oldest ever. The team, led by Harvard University professor Paola Arlotta, discovered that the brain organoids continued to change and mature over the years, despite never having been inside an embryo or a body.
Understanding The Passage Of Time
The researchers analyzed their aging organoids using three different kinds of genetic "clocks" that can roughly determine the biological age of cells. They found that the organoids changed over time in similar ways to normal brain cells. This suggests that the brain organoids "recorded the passage of time" and retained a memory of the developmental steps already performed. However, this does not mean that the organoids have memories like humans do, but rather that their past is "engraved" on a cellular level. The scientists also carried out an experiment where they mixed cells that had been developing for a year with others that were only two weeks old, creating a "chimera." The results showed that the older cells "jumped ahead" in development, effectively "warping time" for brain development.Implications And Future Outlook
The discovery that brain organoids can record the passage of time has significant implications for our understanding of the human brain. It could potentially lead to new treatments for a range of disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. The researchers hope that brain organoids can reveal information about how these disorders emerge and progress later in life. Additionally, the ability to grow brain organoids for extended periods could potentially allow for the development of new medicines without the need for animal testing.
The Potential For Long-Term Growth
The fact that brain organoids can be grown and maintained in a lab for extended periods raises questions about their potential lifespan. Unlike the brains inside our heads, these organoids do not have a body that can get sick and die. Could brain organoids grown and maintained in a lab hypothetically outlive humans? While the answer to this question is still unknown, the researchers speculate that it could be possible. The previous record for the oldest grown brain organoids was a little under two years, so the potential for long-term growth is still being explored.Conclusion And Future Research
The discovery that brain organoids can record the passage of time is a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroscience. It has the potential to lead to new treatments for a range of disorders and could potentially allow for the development of new medicines without the need for animal testing. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this discovery and to explore the potential for long-term growth of brain organoids. As scientists continue to study and develop brain organoids, we can expect to see significant advancements in our understanding of the human brain and the development of new treatments for a range of disorders.Sources
This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.