Ever wondered what it’s like to be a rat? While we may never truly understand, some extraordinary mice are giving us a glimpse into their world.
Described as “remarkable” by neuroscientist Afsaneh Gaillard, these chimeric mice are shedding light on the potential for treating brain diseases linked to neuronal loss. The ability to create specific neuronal cells that seamlessly integrate into the brain is a groundbreaking development.
These hybrid creatures are showcasing the incredible adaptability of brain development. Although the idea of growing human brains in animals is not on the table, the insights gained from this research could prove invaluable for understanding interspecies organ transplants.
The success of these rat-mouse hybrids hinged on precise timing. By introducing rat stem cells capable of differentiating into various cell types into mouse embryos, researchers witnessed the rat cells coexisting and developing alongside mouse cells in the brain, offering new insights into brain development.
2024-04-25 10:00:00
Originally published on www.sciencenews.org