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Title: A single molecule is reversing failing memories Written by: bio_man on Dec 30, 2018 (https://biology-forums.com/gallery/39/6_31_12_18_1_26_49.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=39807) In a recent study, scientists delivered a molecule called FKBP1b into the central memory station found in the brain of aging rats. Upon administrating the molecule, hundreds of formally active genes were reactivated, in a pattern that closely resembles those of younger, more mentally agile rats than aged ones. As a result, the rats showed enhanced learning and appeared to reverse memory shortfalls when tackling a maze. These findings suggest that the mental rustiness which accompanies aging happens because the amount of this one molecule goes down; a follow up study is currently in the works to see why that is. |