i still can't get over how cool this one is... so some really smart people realized that our cells secrete a molecule we decided to call "nerve growth factor" (NGF). they then thought, well, if it does what it's called, then why don't we use it to treat neuronal degenerative diseases? so they did. how did they deliver it? the took a really long needle and injected it into the lateral ventricles! that is in the very center of your brain! they had to go through the skull, through the brain and sinuses and meningies and all that menusha with a needle! unbelieveable. turns out the patients all developed debilitating neuropathies, so they stopped the trial. but not done yet. they are currently back at it, but delievering it a diferent way.
round 2: they are implanting genetically engineered fibroblasts (special type of cell) that secrete NGF into the forebrain! awesome right? thats like putting a drug into the sight of action that just keeps on giving! so far, they are having great success at improving cognitive function in diseases such as alzheimer's.
there are some pretty awesome other techinques they are using or developing, but i have to go learn about them right now. more later...
1 comment:
just read all ur blog and voted on ur survey! Pretty sick bro! its cool to hear whats happening with ya!
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