According to the experts of North Carolina School of Medicine, newly born neuronal stem cells in an adult brain might have the ability to repair brain injuries. This can be done by a condition Hypothermia - in which an organism’s temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions and thus helps in the development of neuronal stem cell-based brain therapies.

Till now no cure was discovered because of the lack of repair mechanisms for brain damage from stroke, head injury etc as in the other parts of the body and thus it was believed to be permanent. And for that reason this discovery of neuronal stem cells in adult brain is thought to be a major breakthrough .

The study was conducted by Laurence Katz, Co-Director of the Carolina Resuscitation Research Group at the University of the North Carolina School of Medicine to find a way by which these cells can be utilized. They found that in order to use this cells, process of Neurogenesis ( formation of neurons) have to be regulated. And this can be done by induced Hypothermia.

In rat subjects, a mild Hypothermia was found to decrease the production of newly-born neurons. This step is believed to be a major discovery towards the brain therapies which will be done by developing neuronal stem cell.

Although Laurence Katz also says that more research work need to be done so as to understand the process of controlling these cells to repair the damaged cells.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com