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Stanford finds brain might be two fused organs
Stanford scientists discovered the human brain might actually develop from two separate cellular systems, suggesting evolution merged two ancient nervous systems. This finding could reshape how we understand brain function and diseases like ALS, opening new ways to study hindbrain neurons in the lab.
Stanford scientists discovered the human brain might actually develop from two separate cellular systems, suggesting evolution merged two ancient nervous systems. This finding could reshape how we understand brain function and diseases like ALS, opening new ways to study hindbrain neurons in the lab.
The architecture take
I thought I understood the brain. Now I'm staring at this Stanford paper, realizing it's probably two nervous systems glued together over eons. It's like finding out your house was originally two tiny cabins. This isn't just a fun fact; it means how we've modeled brain function, especially for diseases like ALS or spinal muscular atrophy, might need a serious re-think. If the hindbrain neurons are a distinct system, understanding their baseline state and how they regulate independently (or poorly) becomes key. The real mechanism here is neurodevelopmental, but the downstream effect on mental state and nervous system function, and how we treat those issues, feels huge. Watch this space for entirely new therapeutic angles on conditions linked to brainstem health.