I’m working on a health & medical writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Starting from the important study by Spalding et al (2013), discuss and critically analyse the evidence that new neurons are born in the adult brain. In addition, debate how findings from this study are supported or opposed with more recent studies in the field, and what new insights there have been into the role of adult neurogenesis.
Spalding, K. L., Bergmann, O., Alkass, K., Bernard, S., Salehpour, M., Huttner, H. B., … Frise?n, J. (2013). Dynamics of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Adult Humans. Cell, 153(6), 1219–1227.
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Introduction:
The study conducted by Spalding et al (2013) provided important evidence about the birth of new neurons in the adult brain. This topic has been a subject of debate and research in the field of neurogenesis. In this answer, we will discuss and critically analyze the evidence presented in the study by Spalding et al, debate the findings with more recent studies in the field, and explore the new insights into the role of adult neurogenesis.
Answer:
The study conducted by Spalding et al (2013) used carbon-14 dating to determine the age of neurons in the human brain. The researchers found evidence of new neuron formation in the hippocampus region of the brain, a region associated with learning and memory, in human adults. This finding challenged the traditional belief that neuron formation only occurs during development and not in adulthood.
However, further studies have questioned the accuracy of the carbon-14 dating method used by Spalding et al (2013). A study by Sorrells et al (2018) used genetic labeling to track neuron formation in the adult human brain and found that new neurons were not being formed in the hippocampus. Other studies have also found conflicting evidence regarding the occurrence of neurogenesis in the adult brain.
Despite the conflicting evidence, the role of adult neurogenesis has been explored in recent studies. Adult neurogenesis has been shown to play a role in learning, memory, mood regulation, and response to antidepressant treatments. Adult neurogenesis has also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, the evidence presented in the study by Spalding et al (2013) regarding the birth of new neurons in the adult brain has been challenged by recent studies. However, the role of adult neurogenesis has been explored and has shown to have important implications for brain function and disease.
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