Spinning System Turns Stem Cells Into Mini-Brains

Published October 30, 2013 in Simons Foundation Autism Research Institute

Researchers have coaxed human stem cells to develop into simplified mini-brains, with regions resembling discrete brain structures, reported in the journal Nature. A spinning culture system prods stem cells to develop into neurons in three dimensions. The culture system is a gelatinous protein-rich mixture that provides both the structural support and nutrients required for neuronal development. Already, the researchers have shown that these artificial brains may model human disorders better than real mouse brains do.

http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/toolbox/2013/spinning-system-turns-stem-cells-into-mini-brains

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