In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have confirmed that new neurons continue to form in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, well into late adulthood. This finding, published in *Science* on July 3, 2025, challenges previous assumptions about the brain's ability to regenerate.
The study utilized advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing and flow cytometry to analyze brain tissue from individuals aged 0 to 78. These methods allowed scientists to identify different stages of neuronal development, from stem cells to immature neurons, within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, a critical area for memory and learning.
"This gives us an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human brain works and changes during life," said Professor Jonas Frisén, who led the research. This research opens doors to potential regenerative treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, offering hope for future therapies.