#Neurodegenerative Diseases

A groundbreaking study published in Nature has developed the largest and most detailed single-cell map of how the brain ages, revealing which cell types and regions are most susceptible to changes over time. Conducted by researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the study mapped over 1.2 million brain cells from both young and older mice, uncovering key vulnerabilities in the hypothalamus—a region crucial for regulating hunger, hormones, and energy balance source.

Recent advancements in understanding brain age and health signal a transformative leap in diagnosing and potentially combating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Through the pioneering efforts of researchers Curtis Johnson and Austin Brockmeier at the University of Delaware (UD), a new method employing artificial intelligence and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is revolutionizing how scientists measure brain aging and deterioration. By accurately mapping brain stiffness and volume, the team provides a groundbreaking tool that aligns predictive accuracy with practical applicability for early identification of neurological disorders.

Recent advancements in neuroimaging spearheaded by scientists at the University of Delaware are shedding light on the intricate relationship between brain stiffness and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Curtis Johnson, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Austin Brockmeier, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, have collaborated to develop innovative methods for predicting the biological age of the brain using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) combined with artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking research could revolutionize how we understand, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions worldwide, including in Thailand.