Breakthrough in nerve mapping gives hope for neurologists
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:25 am
A breakthrough in the mapping of monkey nerve fibers might lead to early diagnosis and improved treatment for neurological diseases in humans, according to Taiwanese research published Friday.
"The structure of nerve fibers, we have found, follows a checker-board pattern," said Tseng Wen-yih, a biomedical expert from National Taiwan University, at a press conference held to announce the publication of the findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
Neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, hyperactive disorder, autism, dementia and epilepsy can be triggered when a deviation occurs in the brain's "wiring system," he said.
Unlike the common portrayal of brain nerve fibers as branches of a tree that spread in every direction, Tseng said his team found that fiber bundles constitute an orderly three-dimensional grid that more resembles intricately woven cloth.
"The findings took us by surprise," Tseng told reporters. "We have uncovered a clear blueprint of brain fibers." ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1398