Press/Media: Research
| Title | Cellular Mechanism Found to Sustain Brain Energy |
|---|---|
| Media name/outlet | Mirage News |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| Date | 4/07/24 |
| Description | A key mechanism which detects when the brain needs an additional energy boost to support its activity has been identified in a study in mice and cells. The scientists say their findings, published in Nature, could inform new therapies to maintain brain health and longevity, as other studies have found that brain energy metabolism can become impaired late in life and contribute to cognitive decline and the development of neurodegenerative disease. The research was begun by Dr Shefeeq Theparambil, formerly of University College London and now at Lancaster University. Dr Theparambil said: "The normal activities of the brain require enormous amounts of energy, comparable to that of a human leg muscle running a marathon. This energyis primarily derived from blood glucose. Neurons in the brain consume more than 75% of this energy, and any deficiency in neuronal energy production significantly affects critical brain functions, including learning, memory, and cognition. |
| Persons | Shefeeq Theparambil |