Researchers developed a “traumatic brain injury (TBI) on a chip” to explore the links between concussions and Alzheimer’s disease.
Using clusters of neurons from embryonic mice, they exposed the “miniature brain” to g-forces mimicking those experienced by football players. They found an immediate surge in acrolein, a molecule linked to neurodegenerative diseases, and a significant increase in the misfolding of amyloid-beta 42 (AB42), a protein associated with Alzheimer’s.
The device also served to test potential treatments, such as hydralazine, in reducing acrolein and AB42 levels.
Learn More: https://neurosciencenews.com/concussion-alzheimers-mini-brain-23852/
