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Science In Action: Inserting human neurons into the brains of rats

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13/10/2022 GMT

Inserting human neurons into the brains of rats

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Inserting human neurons into the brains of rats

Fusing the brain of a human with a rat could offer insight into neurological disorders

Inserting human neurons into a rats brain, the hotly anticipated results from NASA’s dart mission and sounds from the deep-sea unearthing the secret life of blue whales

Sergiu Pasca, Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University has left the petri dish in the drawer and grown human neurons inside the brains of juvenile rats. Successful connectivity and brain function may allow for more rigorous testing and understanding of neurological conditions, that have until now remained difficult to localise and treat.

It’s been a few weeks since NASA’s DART mission smashed into an asteroid in an attempt to budge it off course, kickstarting Earth’s first planetary defence system. Scientists are starting to pour through the data to determine whether or not it worked.  Dr Toney Minter, Head of Operations at Green Bank Observatory has been using Green Bank’s radio telescope to keep us updated and track the celestial system. 

John Ryan, a Senior Research Specialist at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has spent the last three years studying the distinct vocal calls of blue whales. It’s part of a body of work that is unlocking the secretive existence of this endangered species, understanding how they react to the wind and search for food by navigating upwelling currents in the ocean.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live at the poles? Well, now you don’t have to imagine. Celas Marie-Sainte and Moreno Baricevic share their winterover experience, gathering data at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. Hear what their work entails and ruminate on reflections of 6 months immersed in darkness.

(Image: Axial view of rat brain connectivity. Getty Images)
Credit: 

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Harry Lewis, Robbie Wojciechowski

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