Human brain: We may not be able to grow new neurons after we enter adulthood

Several recent studies have led to the suggestion that humans can grow new neurons in some parts of the brain as adults, but the idea is being questioned after a close look at RNA in brain cells

By Jason Arunn Murugesu

Adults may be unable to grow new neurons in the brain – contrary to previous findings.

The question of whether adults can form new neurons, called neurogenesis, has long been a source of controversy. While researchers have discovered adult neurogenesis in mice and macaques, any evidence of this ability in humans is less clear.

The hippocampus, which has been linked with adult neurogenesis, is vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. This has led to arguments that adult neurogenesis may hold the key to treating …