Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Summary:

Neurons die but do not get replaced.

Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Colin_Fredericks 16 Jun 2008 12:12

Most cells in the body go through a normal process of wear and replacement. Brain cells do not. They live a very long time, but they do eventually die, and there is currently no means for removing them from the brain or for replacing them if they were removed.

Complicating this matter is the fact that much long-term memory seems to be stored in the physical structure of the brain itself. Simply putting in a new neuron would not ensure its proper connection, possibly leading to memory loss or even loss of motor control.

Suggest solutions. Extra points will be given for solutions that use the biological human brain rather than a mesh.

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Pilgrim 19 Jun 2008 16:14

Well, given my understanding memory is holographic. So, it may get 'fuzzier' to the point of being completely unresolvable as newer tissues are added.

And this doesn't even address the similarities between memory and imagination, or the possible spread of disease.

OK, at low tech use stem cells BT3 for harvesting and implanting them. To clone 'em off BT3 or 4. To replicate NT6.

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Colin_Fredericks 20 Jun 2008 15:37

Stem cells are available at Bio 3, but getting rid of the dead cells and implanting new ones in the right place doesn't sound like a Bio 3 technique - maybe Bio 5.

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Pilgrim 20 Jun 2008 22:22

Good point. Wouldn't that also be a Nano technique as well? Or just an alternative?

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Pneumonica 26 Jun 2008 08:14

Actually, this is an easier one than you might think. There are humans who have the ability to regenerate nervous tissue to some degree, for example to regrow neural pathways when the spinal chord is injured or severed. This is a rare trait, but it happens. However, it should be noted that the injuries (including age trauma) do produce "scarring", so this is not a perfect result. You'd still have to have your doc do some "plastic surgery" to remove the scar tissue and nurture a non-scarring regrowth. Say, Bio 4? Add in Nano 5 to be able to do it with sufficient precision that no trace of the injury or aging remains?

Implant Regrowth Genetics (also shared with amphibians and reptiles): Bio 5-6?, Nano 5 (to saturate every cellular tissue in the body)
Clear Scar Tissue (procedure): Bio 4, Nano 5

Last edited on 26 Jun 2008 08:16 by Pneumonica Show more

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Colin_Fredericks 03 Jul 2008 21:02

Neat! Does this condition have a name? I always like to use official (or at least official-sounding) names when I write up new techs.

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Pneumonica 04 Jul 2008 22:31

I'm unaware of any official name for it. I just know that there have been several cases of (for instance) panels of neurologists swearing up and down that the person who drove him/herself to the MRI they were studying was paralyzed from the neck down or across one half of the body.

In regards NelC's findings below, I think the reptile genetics are still helpful in this regard, since reptiles often have abilities that involve regrowth. Another hot candidate (always a hot candidate for these types of things) is the axolotl.

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

NelC 02 Jul 2008 22:06

Actually, I believe the latest findings are that humans do continually grow brain cells throughout our lives. The rate goes down as we get older, and there are peaks during juvenile and adolescent growth phases, but it never really stops. The new growth is generally in the most used regions; hence the enlarged hippocampus of London black cab drivers.

As for disposal of old brain tissue, dead cells in the brain go the same way as dead cells in other parts of the body. When the cell fails, apoptosis induces the cell wall to rupture and the contents are spilled, then phagocytes come and clean up the remains.

So all that needs to be tweaked is the slowing rate of new brain cells, normal brain management wetware takes care of them growing where they're needed. (IANA biologist, BTW, and normal conditions regarding the perversity of the universe tending towards a maximum apply.)

Last edited on 02 Jul 2008 22:11 by NelC Show more

Re: Obstacle: Brain Cell Nonreplacement

Colin_Fredericks 03 Jul 2008 21:01

Very interesting! I'd love to see a link to a paper or article.