Proof that adult brains make new neurons settles scientific controversy

After six decades of debate, a new Science paper used RNA‐sequencing on hippocampi from teens to 78-year-olds and pinpointed the elusive neural precursor cells and immature neurons—finally proving adult human brains keep churning out new neurons.

This confirmation of adult neurogenesis could shake up our approach to memory, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s and epilepsy—and now the fun part begins: figuring out exactly what these rookie neurons do for brain function.