New research suggests that the brain stores at least three copies of a memory, encoded by different groups of neurons in the hippocampus. These copies vary in their stability and malleability, offering potential avenues for treating memory disorders like PTSD and dementia.
Scientists have discovered that neurons in the brain stem act as a master regulator of inflammation. In the early stages of an infection, these neurons promote a pro-inflammatory response to combat pathogens. Once the infection is cleared, the neurons suppress inflammation to prevent damage to healthy cells. This feedback loop suggests that drugs targeting these brain stem neurons could be used to treat inflammatory diseases.
