r/science • u/Potential_Being_7226 PhD | Psychology | Neuroscience • 15d ago

Neuroscience Boosting brain’s waste removal system improves memory in old mice | Researchers found that rejuvenating the lymphatic vessels in the brain enhanced recognition memory and restored synaptic function through an interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway.

https://medicine.washu.edu/news/boosting-brains-waste-removal-system-improves-memory-in-old-mice/
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u/chessmasterjj 15d ago edited 15d ago

How do we clean out our brain of waste? 

Edit: Just says they boosted the lymphatic system of the mice, doesn't say how. If you give "strengthen lymphatic system" a Goog you get physical exercise, hydration and healthy diet. 

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u/Potential_Being_7226 PhD | Psychology | Neuroscience 15d ago

They boosted the lymphatic system by using an experimental treatment that causes the brain to overexpress vascular endothelial growth factor. The increase in this factor then causes the expansion and growth of lymphatic vessels. This treatment is not possible in people. 

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u/TheOnceAndFutureTurk 15d ago

Great day for geriatric mice, though.

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u/jogr 15d ago

Top story on r/seniorMiceNews probably

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u/marionsunshine 15d ago

They get all the dopest healthcare innovations first!

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u/flammablelemon 14d ago

Increasing VEGF raises the risk of developing tumors anyway. Growth factors in moderation (like in the amounts your body normally produces them) are beneficial, but a large excess of them produced by drugs (like steroids) can lead to health issues over time.