Scientists at University of Utah Health reported they can rejuvenate the plasticity of the mouse brain, specifically in the visual cortex, increasing its ability to change in response to experience.
According to scientists, manipulating a single gene triggered the shift, which could be a potential target for new treatments to boost recovery from brain injury after stroke or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, the research reportedly has implications for potentially reducing normal cognitive decline with aging.
Scientists stated additional research will need to be done to determine whether plasticity in humans and mice is regulated in the same way.
The research was recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
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Source: University of Utah Health