Weight Struggles? Blame New Neurons in Your Hypothalamus
The idea that the brain is still forming new nerve cells, or neurons, into adulthood has become well-established over the past several decades, says study leader Seth Blackshaw, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. However, he adds, researchers had previously thought that this process, called neurogenesis, only occurs in two brain areas: the hippocampus, involved in memory, and the olfactory bulb, involved in smell.
More recent research suggests that a third area, the hypothalamus -- associated with a variety of bodily functions, including sleep, body temperature, hunger and thirst -- also produces new neurons.
I don't think this works they way they say it does. But the fact that neurogenesis occurs in the hypothalamus is really good news. As good as it gets.
