New brain cells
Can adults
make new brain cells?
The
traditional view and one that has been taught for generations is that you are born with all the neurons you will ever
have and if a brain cell dies, it is
never replaced. However in the last decade or so, much has been learnt
about the adult brain and it has finally been accepted that this is not the case.
For much of
the past century, it was thought that the production of new neurons – neurogenesis – was restricted to embryonic development. If this was true,
you’d have lost your sense of smell
years ago! Not to mention, you’d never
be able to form new memories or learn new things.
The brain
may favor stability over plasticity.
Human adult neurogenesis may be an evolutionary relic, and one that comes at a very high cost. However, unfortunately,
some nerves can’t repair themselves
or regrow once damaged in adulthood (like those in the spinal column).
For now,
it’s important to know that this absolute
statement is a myth, and some neurons do regrow- and our brain is changing
all the time, as we experience new memories and learn something new about myths every day. ;-)
Debunked!
Sources:
P.S. - If you have any urban legend or superstition that you are doubtful of, just comment it and I will try to debunk that.
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