Brain Organoids

By: Sadab Bahar

            In the last year, engineers around the world have made serious scientific breakthroughs. Whether it be the simple Apply Pay, Google’s Project Loon, or quick blood tests for cancer, engineers are creating different ways in order to ease the lives of people all over. One of the most interesting innovations in the last year was the creation of Brain Organoids. It may sound confusing and strange, but Brain Organoids allows scientists to study phenomena from basic brain functions to causes of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and autism (Juskalian).

            The science behind this phenomenon begins with a single skin cell sample taken from an adult. This skin cell is then turned into a pluripotent stem cell and finally it becomes a neuron (Juskalian). This new process allows scientists better understand neurons and how they are effected by things such as drugs. The ability to study neurons allows scientists to create accurate models of the brain with a wide range of conditions. An example would be taking a skin cell from an adult with a mental illness. Scientists can explore the human brain like never before as a result of Brain Organoids.

Picture Credit: nextbigfuture.com

            Learning about Brain Organoids is very interesting. The ability to study the growth of mental illnesses in the brain is a huge step forward in finding remedies for such diseases. This is why Brain Organoids are considered to be one of the biggest breakthroughs in the last year. I agree with this claim because of the amount of new information it allows us to obtain. Mental illness is a serious issue and it needs to be addressed. Many people do not regard mental illness as an issue unless it causes someone physical pain. One way in order to gain more attention toward mental illness are Brain Organoids. If scientists can understand the causes of serious mental issues, then more and more people will understand and realize the importance of mental illnesses.

Juskalian, Russ. “Brain Organoids.” MIT Technology Review. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 18 Feb. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.