Scientists led by Indian-origin Researcher Mick Bhatia have successfully converted adult human blood cells to neural cells or Neurons. The team has directly converted adult human blood cells to both central as well as peripheral neurons of the nervous system. Neurons are special kind of cells that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Mick Bhatia is the current director of the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University.
Bhatia and his team has successfully tested their method using fresh blood as well as frozen blood. Bhatia said this conversion technology has “broad and immediate applications”. This research will help scientists provide personalized medical therapy for patients suffering with neuropathic pain.
Tidbits
- Neurons are the core components of the nervous system. A typical neuron possesses a cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon. Neurons do not undergo cell division.
- It has been estimated that the average human brain contains about 100 billion neurons and, on average, each neuron is connected to 1000 other neurons.
- Neurons communicate by chemical and electrical synapses in a process known as neurotransmission, also called synaptic transmission.
GK Questions
- What is Neurology? The branch biology that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.
- Who is the father of Neurology? Jean-Martin Charcot
