Skip to Content

Drugs for Brain Growth

September 1, 2006

Scientists already know that some drugs boost the growth of new neurons in the brain. Anti­depressants, for example, trigger the birth of brain cells in an area involved in learning and memory, which might play a role in the drugs’ ability to fight depression. Now, companies are seeking compounds that are better at enhancing the brain’s ability to grow new cells. This could improve treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as depression.

New neurons (yellow) are born in a rat. (Courtesy of Brain Cells, Inc.)

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Large language models can do jaw-dropping things. But nobody knows exactly why.

And that's a problem. Figuring it out is one of the biggest scientific puzzles of our time and a crucial step towards controlling more powerful future models.

The problem with plug-in hybrids? Their drivers.

Plug-in hybrids are often sold as a transition to EVs, but new data from Europe shows we’re still underestimating the emissions they produce.

Google DeepMind’s new generative model makes Super Mario–like games from scratch

Genie learns how to control games by watching hours and hours of video. It could help train next-gen robots too.

How scientists traced a mysterious covid case back to six toilets

When wastewater surveillance turns into a hunt for a single infected individual, the ethics get tricky.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.