Neurogenesis: The science of brain health

Neuro-what? A big word to describe the brain’s way of repairing and renewing itself. We break down all the neuroscience talk to tell you what the latest science says about keeping our brains healthy. Do we still grow new neurons as adults? Why is it important? What can we do to help our brains keep healthy, and what may we be doing that harms it? Tune into episode 5 to find out.

📊 Key research studies we discussed:

• Taxi drivers’ brains have increased volume in the area in charge of spatial navigation: Navigation-related structural change in the hippocampi of taxi drivers (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2000)
• Landmark study discovering adult neurogenesis in mice: De novo generation of neuronal cells from the adult mouse brain (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1992)
• Expert consensus confirming human adult neurogenesis: Human adult neurogenesis: Evidence and remaining questions (Cell: Stem Cell, 2018)
• Leading theory of adult neurogenesis: The neurogenic reserve hypothesis: What is adult hippocampal neurogenesis good for? (Trends in Neurosciences, 2008)
• Older adults exercising 3x/week for a year showed a 2-year brain age reversal: Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011)
• Neurogenesis-inspired programs studied by Prof Tracy Shors: Mental and Physical (MAP) Training: A neurogenesis-inspired intervention that enhances health in humans (Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 2014)

📚 Books and other resources:

• Neurogenesis may be the mechanism behind effects in psychedelics trials (Nature News, 2023)
• SHIELD mnemonic for maintaining brain health (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021)
• Mindfulness meditation resources: Headspace [no affiliation], Medito [Masha previously served as their Research Officer and is on their Scientific Advisory Board but has no financial ties]

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We thank the South West Doctoral Training Partnership for supporting this podcast and Rhannan Lacey for audiography, videography, and production.