This Week's Sci-Light!

Everyday we use our brains without really thinking about how.  When you walk, talk, dance to music, take that selfie :)  your brain is processing data, sending signals, and encoding memories.  As our bodies age, brain functioning can be reduced.  Scientists want to know how and why.

(Photo/Zlokovic Lab/Keck Medicine of USC)

An article, Scans Detect Aging Brain Issues Linked to Dementia, author Alison Trinidad describes research at the USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute.  Dr. Berislav Zlokovic and colleagues at Zilkha have a been working to understand the brain by using high resolution imaging of the living human brain.  Specifically, researchers were examining the permeabilityor the blood-brain barrier, a cellular layer that regulates entry of blood and pathogens into the brain, to understand if damage to this barrier may be part of the cause for diseases such as Alzheimers.  The article describes more about the significance of the barrier and it's potential link to dementia like Alzheimers and outlines the challenge of these findings.

As scientists begin to unlock the secret places of the mind, remember you can be part of the journey!  So make your education a priority, remain an active learner, and be Sci-Curious!