Star's extraordinary intellect: The connection between the twinkling night sky and cognitive prowess
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at IST Austria have published two minimally invasive methods to remove the perineuronal net (PNN), a structure responsible for saving memories, and restore the adaptability of a young brain. The research, published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports (DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109313), was led by Cornelia F. Fuchs. This news could open new therapeutic approaches in humans, particularly in treating sight disorders like amblyopia (lazy eye), a sight disorder caused by unbalanced visual input during a child's development. The PNN envelops certain neurons and stabilizes existing connections between them, preventing new ones from forming. However, when the PNN is removed, neurons become sensitive to new input and can form new synapses. This fine-tuning between distinct brainwaves and microglia action is a new way of thinking about brainwaves. One of the techniques discovered involves the use of high-dosage ketamine, an essential drug for human surgery and recently approved for treating psychiatric symptoms. Ketamine was found to cause microglia cells to react and eat the PNN. After repeated anesthetic dosages of ketamine, there was a considerable loss in the PNN that lasted for seven days before being rebuilt. Interestingly, light flickering at 60 hertz has a similar effect as ketamine treatments in removing the PNN. This finding could have implications for various brain functions and diseases, and caution should be exercised in its use. Researchers want to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind their discovery, which are still not fully understood. They plan to explore various aspects of these treatments, as there is much to discover. Ketamine treatment does not make one 'smart' directly, but it could potentially overwrite traumatic experiences and treat post-traumatic stress disorder. The brain has critical periods for learning and saving profound cognitive routines and memories. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for various neurological disorders. The brain's adaptability is a fascinating subject, and these discoveries bring us one step closer to harnessing its full potential.
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