Someday, the finding could help treat Alzheimer’s and dementia in people, and the research has backing from Google and a $3 billion startup, Altos Labs.
Can the biotech industry find a way to repair the human brain from injury and memory loss? Breakthroughs at UCSF backed up by Silicon Valley resources may provide the best chance yet.
“We’re still quite far from any kind of therapeutic use for people,” cautions one of the lead authors, neuroscientist Michael Stryker of UCSF’s Department of Physiology. But he admitted the finding impressed him. ISRIB has shown some ability to restore memory for almost a decade. UCSF researchers previously showed it could restore memory loss in mice due to trauma or aging. What’s different about this study is the researchers watched as the drug repaired a live animal’s brain, and learned how it reversed structural damage. Previously they didn’t know how it worked — or how to apply the drug to other challenges.
How could researchers see this in the little heads of mice? The researchers used what’s called longitudinal in vivo two-photon fluorescence imaging. That’s quite a mouthful. What it means is using two lasers to capture 3-D imaging of the living mice’s brains. The other aspect giving this drug a real chance is it has the benefit of lots of resources. And that’s important.
With that funding and support, development of the drug could be fast-tracked, Rosi believes. “That’s the beauty of Altos. It’s the best of industry and academia.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ethereum Hashrate Hits New ATH, While New Investors Inflow NetworkEthereum hashrate has reached another record peak, while new investors keep coming in
Read more »
Anderson Cooper’s new baby gives magnificent side-eye in new photoThe news anchor celebrated his 55th birthday with his two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian.
Read more »
Police officer shot in West New York, New JerseyOne police officer was shot, but his injuries are not life-threatening. He was taken to a local hospital.
Read more »
Police officer shot, injured in West New York, New JerseyOfficers were reportedly responding to a domestic violence call at a home on 59th Street, but when they knocked on the door, the suspect came out shooting.
Read more »
New York state lawmakers pass bill capping size of New York City public school classroomsNew York state lawmakers passed a bill that will shrink the size of New York City public school classrooms.
Read more »