Researchers at Johns Hopkins Uncover How Brain Stem Cells Decide How to Act

Johns Hopkins University researchers say they have discovered how stem cells located in a part of the brain responsible for learning, memory and mood regulation decide to remain dormant or create new brain cells, based on a study of mice. According to scientists, the stem cells “listen in” on the chemical communication between nearby neurons to determine what is stressing the system and when they need to act.

Understanding this process of chemical signaling may shed light on how the brain reacts to its environment and how current antidepressants work, they report, because these drugs have been shown to increase the number of brain cells in animals. The findings appear in the July 29 online edition of Nature. For more information, click here to read the full release.