We at Brain Blogger are honored to the host the Encephalon for the our second time. Since 2006, this blog carnival has inspired countless discussions on matters related to the brain and mind — and everything in between. In this edition, I review just a few quality blog entries worth checking out. Enjoy… Read more →

The genetic basis for Alzheimer’s disease has been a focus of research in recent years, and the gene most studied so far has been the ApoE gene, which codes for apoprotein E, a blood protein concerned with the transport of lipids in blood. Specifically, ApoE is thought to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis, the laying of fatty plaques inside the walls of our arteries. Read more →

Affecting 4 million people nationwide, Alzheimer’s disease has become the fourth highest killer in the United States. It robs a person of their identity while affecting entire families. With compassion and a sense of duty, researchers set out nearly a century ago to cure this disease. Though much advancement has been made, scientists have yet to discover the one miracle cure. One possible treatment that scientists have suggested is using embryonic stem cells, differentiated into neurons to replace dead ones in the brain. These “blank” cells are capable of being transformed into 300 different somatic cells. Scientists now have hope of creating human tissue in the laboratory; stem cells could potentially help thousands of patients waiting for donor tissue or organs through therapeutic cloning. Read more →