Brain reset: Scientists uncover unusual way to get rid of brain disorders

Using test mice, disorders were erased with cell implants.

By implanting special cells that emit GABA into the brains of adult mice scientists found a way to cure certain brain disorders, like lazy eye. Initially an almost impossible endeavor, the experiment led a team of scientists to a way to reset the brain and basically take away the diseases the mice had. With the experiment's success, the proponents are positive that it can become an important research tool with the development of neuroscience.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Sunil Gandhi and his colleagues at the University of California, Irvine implanted special cells into brains of adult mice suffering from a disorder called amblyopia, or lazy eye, which is a dysfunction between the eyes and the brain.

The special cells produce an inhibitory neurotransmitter called the GABA, which disables certain parts of the brain from getting overexcited and later inducing dysfunction. These problems are also linked to disorders like Schizophrenia and autism, according to CNBC.

"I have to say it was mind blowing. I began these experiments with colleagues about eight years ago, and all throughout we were subject to concern that this enterprise we were engaged in was farfetched," said Gandhi to CNBC.

Because of the uncommon response from the neocortex to the implanted cells, expectations for the study began to be positive. The neocortex part is where "scientists have never observed new cells to grow in adult brains," as cited from CNBC.

Our brains grow over time, making it more difficult to disjoint certain connections, but recent findings may become the new benchmark in development of neuroscience and medicine.

"It's kind of like a Black Swan phenomenon, that now that we have the evidence, a lot of people will treat it as obvious, but I can tell you that there is a long list of my senior colleagues that thought this was impossible," claimed Gandhi.

He warned that one should always be careful, as the brain is sensitive, yet they are hoping this will lead to more use of cell-based approaches. The research was published online this week in the journal Neuron.

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