Neuron-generating brain region could hold promise for neurodegenerative therapies

Adult humans continuously produce new neurons in the striatum and these neurons could play an important role in possibly finding new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, according to a study. To detect the birth of new neurons in the striatum, the authors used a method that measures carbon-14 found in human DNA as a result of above-ground nuclear testing. The discovery may open up new avenues to treat diseases and disorders that affect the striatum.