Brain cell boon.

AN artificial brain cell that could be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's has been created by scientists.

The "delivery electrode" works in the same way as nerve cells in the brain by releasing neurotransmitters, which communicate between nerves.

The artificial cell is made from an electricity conducting plastic and can deliver different kinds of neurotransmitter neurotransmitter, chemical that transmits information across the junction (synapse) that separates one nerve cell (neuron) from another nerve cell or a muscle. Neurotransmitters are stored in the nerve cell's bulbous end (axon). . Only cells sensitive to a specific neurotransmitter are activated. In contrast, current methods of stimulating nerve cells electrically are liable to activate all cells in the target area, causing undesired effects.

The Swedish scientists Chemistry

Johan August Arfwedson, (1792-1841), chemist
Svante Arrhenius, (1859-1927), chemist and physicist
Jöns Jakob Berzelius, (1779-1848), chemist
Lars Ernster, (1920-1998), biochemistry

behind the breakthrough demonstrated the "delivery electrode" by using it to control hearing in the brains of guinea pigs.

Studies have already started on using the technology for treating hearing loss, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism, degenerative brain disorder first described by the English surgeon James Parkinson in 1817. When there is no known cause, the disease usually appears after age 40 and is referred to as Parkinson's disease. in humans.

COPYRIGHT 2009 MGN Ltd.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.

Reader Opinion

Article Details
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Publication:	Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England)
Date:	Jul 13, 2009
Words:	128
Previous Article:	Gene study.
Next Article:	Patients help shape future; Patients' views have helped shape the NHS at the Striving for Excellence Conference. Health Reporter HELEN RAE explains.