The Human Brain May Be Two Separate Organs

Topic: Neuroscience

Stanford scientists have discovered that the human brain may be made up of two distinct systems. This new finding could help us understand and treat certain brain diseases.

Scientists at Stanford Medicine have been studying the development of the human brain for a long time. They thought that the entire brain developed from one early cell population, but their research suggests otherwise.

The researchers found that the human brain is made up of two ancient nervous systems. One system gives rise to structures responsible for essential functions like breathing and controlling the heartbeat. The other system produces regions associated with abilities such as language, mathematics, abstract thought, and reflection on our own existence.

This discovery could explain why scientists have struggled to grow certain brain cells in the laboratory. It may also help us understand and treat diseases involving the brain stem, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Why It Matters

This research is important because it can lead to new treatments for serious brain diseases that affect millions of people worldwide, including India.

Key Facts

• The human brain may be made up of two distinct systems that arose separately over hundreds of millions of years of evolution.
• One system gives rise to structures responsible for essential functions like breathing and controlling the heartbeat.
• The other system produces regions associated with abilities such as language, mathematics, abstract thought, and reflection on our own existence.
• This discovery could help us understand and treat diseases involving the brain stem, including SMA and ALS.
• Researchers at Stanford Medicine made this groundbreaking discovery using mouse embryos to study the development of the human brain.

Key Terms

Progenitor cell

A type of cell that gives rise to other cells in the body.

Implications

This research is important because it can lead to new treatments for serious brain diseases that affect millions of people worldwide, including India.