‘Partly Alive’: Scientists Revive Cells in Brains From Dead Pigs
In this study a group of researchers from Yale University inquire about the brain activity present after death, and whether the effects of being considered “brain dead” may be irreversible or altered in some way. The purpose of this analysis was to possibly discover some effective treatment methods for strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and diseases like Alzheimer's by restoring cell connections in the brain. The researchers gathered thirty two pigs that were previously killed for other reasons, and took the skulls removing the brains to conduct their experiments. It was noted that the brains had been sitting without blood in a room temperature setting for four hours prior to starting the trials. The experimental group consisted of some pig brains being pumped with a solution called BrainEx for six consecutive hours, and this mixture which was created by the researchers intended to bring oxygen back to the tissues while blocking the nerve signals for better preservation purposes. The control group was pumped with a dummy solution instead of the of the chemicals, and as a result after the allotted time both groups were observed through an ultrasound. Although both brains showed no signs of activity as they cells appeared to be too deteriorated to repair this is the first study to be conducted on large intact mammalian brains. It also raised the question of whether testing this experiment on "partly alive" brains would provide different results? This study has the potential to open doors and provide significant information about cell restoration, which could provide solutions to common diseases and even some traumatic injuries.
This article shows its relevance to many biological functions that operate through the brain the main one being the nervous system. The nervous system is in charge of the collecting, processing, interpreting, and responding to sensory information. The brain is responsible for controlling our thoughts, memories, speech, movements, and even some organ functions within the body. According to the textbook Brain & Behavior An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience cells makes us who we are and neurons are a specialized cells that convey sensory information into the brain; carry out the operations involved in thought, feeling, and action; and transmit commands out into the body to control muscles and organs. (Garrett, 2017, p. 21). The brain is going to be a vital organ along with the heart, which means if damage occurs in this area and those neural connections are not able to be made it can leave a person with detrimental effects. For an example Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes all have the ability to prohibit those electrical signals from relaying messages to and from the brain. This blockage can result in a mental decline, inability to combine muscles movements, difficulty with speech and comprehension, and being in an constant state of aggression or agitation which are only a few among many. It is evident the brain is a big complex structure that is responsible for keeping us alive, which is why researchers being able to study undamaged pig brains and there cells is a huge leap in the right direction. Studying a brain similar to humans can provide researchers with the information on how to map cells and their connections, which has not be available prior to this investigation. Scientifically researchers believe that once the brain is considered dead and the blood supply has been cut off the effects are too severe and irreversible, but with the advancement of BrainEx and further experiments restoration might be new technology of the future.
The first participants for future developments in this should be directed towards people who have suffered sudden and noticeable brain damage that has impacted them physically, or altered their personality in some way. This would enable accurate accounts of how effective it can help the body, and will make it much easier to figure out new ways to improve the process of reviving human tissue. The person will be able to tell how much there body or mind has gotten better after the injury. The information gained from this would also allow for advancement in other sub fields related to physiology as well as its effect on psychology.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the 2016 article “Biotech Companies Given Green Light to Attempt to Regenerate Brains of the Dead” brain death can be defined as the complete and irreversible loss of brain function. This definition is used by many countries as a way to legally define a human as dead. The article also mentions that some studied have found that individuals who are technically brain dead still show signs of electrical activity in the brain which allows the body to execute some functions. Functions such as, circulating blood, digesting food, balance hormones, and heal wounds. Unfortunately, the levels of electrical activity are not enough to allow the body to function fully again. The new study performed on pig brains opens up doors to research on how to keep the brain alive while it is separated from the body. Although, this research is promising this kind of technology is still far away from being able to be used on humans. Even if there is a way to keep the brain alive separate from the body there is little known about how to reattach it to the brain stem. In the class of physiological psychology, the brain stem was mentioned to be a vital area. The brain stem consists of the midbrain, the hindbrain, and the posterior parts of the forebrain. The posterior parts of the forebrain include the thalamus and the hypothalamus. The midbrain contains structures, such as the superior colliculi, which have secondary roles in vision, movement, and hearing. The hindbrain includes the pons, medulla, and cerebellum. Consequently, without these structures the body would not function properly.
ReplyDeleteIf this succeeds in humans this can raise massive ethical debates. When a person is brain dead often the body is kept alive through machines. The choice to remove the machines that keep the person alive is determined by either their spouse or family member. Most people are torn between removing the machines or maintaining the person "alive". This does not only raises conflict within the family but also uses us resources in the hospitable. in what way can the individual in this state of brain death can choose between life or death?
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