About this Video

• Video Title: You can grow new brain cells. Here's how | Sandrine Thuret | TED
• Channel: TED
• Speakers: Sandrine Thuret, Margaret Heffernan
• Duration: 00:11:05

Introduction

This TED Talk by Sandrine Thuret explores the phenomenon of neurogenesis—the brain's ability to grow new nerve cells in adulthood. Thuret dispels the misconception that adult brains cannot generate new cells and explains how various factors, including lifestyle choices and diet, influence this process.

Key Takeaways

• Neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain: Contrary to previous beliefs, the adult brain, specifically the hippocampus, generates new neurons throughout life. The hippocampus is crucial for learning, memory, mood, and emotion.
• Factors influencing neurogenesis: Several factors impact neurogenesis, including learning, stress, sleep deprivation, sex, aging, and diet. Learning, sex, and calorie restriction increase neurogenesis, while stress, sleep deprivation, aging, and a diet high in saturated fats decrease it. Aerobic exercise and a diet rich in flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and resveratrol (found in red wine) also promote neurogenesis.
• Neurogenesis and mental health: Neurogenesis plays a significant role in learning and memory, and there is a clear link between neurogenesis and depression. Antidepressants increase neurogenesis, and blocking neurogenesis inhibits the effectiveness of antidepressants.
• Diet's impact on neurogenesis: Diet significantly impacts neurogenesis. Calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, flavonoids (in dark chocolate and blueberries), and omega-3 fatty acids increase neurogenesis, while high saturated fat and alcohol consumption decrease it. Food texture also matters; soft diets impair neurogenesis compared to crunchy or chewy foods.
• Further research needed: More research is needed to fully understand the functions of new neurons and how to control their survival and production, especially in the context of protecting neurogenesis in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Here are the answers based on the provided transcript:

What is neurogenesis? Does neurogenesis occur in children or adults?

Neurogenesis is the phenomenon where the brain generates new nerve cells. The transcript explicitly states that it occurs in adults. While the transcript doesn't directly address neurogenesis in children, the implication is that it occurs throughout life, although the rate may change with age.

When it comes to neurogenesis, what is the most exciting part of the brain and why?

The hippocampus is described as one of the most exciting parts of the brain regarding neurogenesis. This is because it's a unique structure in the adult brain where new neurons are generated. It's also crucial for learning, memory, mood, and emotion.

Why are new neurons important and what are their functions?

New neurons are important for learning and memory, affecting both capacity and quality. They help improve memory recall and differentiate similar memories. Additionally, research suggests a strong link between neurogenesis and depression; a lower level of neurogenesis is associated with depression, while increasing neurogenesis can alleviate symptoms.

List a few of the ways that Thuret tells us we can control neurogenesis. Specify whether the activity increases or decreases neurogenesis.

The following activities influence neurogenesis, according to Thuret:

• Learning: Increases neurogenesis.
• Stress: Decreases neurogenesis.
• Sleep deprivation: Decreases neurogenesis.
• Sex: Increases neurogenesis.
• Aging: Decreases neurogenesis (rate decreases, but it still occurs).
• Running/Aerobic exercise: Increases neurogenesis (implied).
• Calorie restriction (20-30%): Increases neurogenesis.
• Intermittent fasting: Increases neurogenesis.
• Flavonoids (dark chocolate, blueberries): Increases neurogenesis.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon): Increases neurogenesis.
• High saturated fat diet: Decreases neurogenesis.
• Alcohol: Decreases neurogenesis.
• Resveratrol (red wine): Promotes survival of new neurons (effect on neurogenesis itself is not stated).
• Soft diet: Impairs neurogenesis. Crunchy/chewy foods have a positive effect.

Briefly discuss the study conducted by Rusty Gage from the Salk Institute.

The study by Rusty Gage demonstrated the impact of the environment on neurogenesis. By comparing the hippocampi of mice with and without access to running wheels, Gage showed a significant increase in new neurons in mice that had access to a running wheel, illustrating that physical activity impacts neurogenesis.