3 ms·
Most of the neurogenesis studies are done in rodents. So the conclusion should be carefully taken, especially for something like neurogenesis which varies wildl
by nacc 10y ago
Most of the neurogenesis studies are done in rodents. So the conclusion should be carefully taken, especially for something like neurogenesis which varies wildly across species.
Running promotes neurogenesis, but also enriched environment, many drugs, genetics etc. Its effect in mice is also somewhat elusive at this point: we aren't sure whether it promotes learning or forgetting.
That being said, all the nice cognitive effects from exercise probably all due to endorphins (literally endogenous morphine) released in the brain afterwards.
- pizza 10y agoHow distinguishable are externally introduced endorphins to morphine or heroin? Billion dollar startup idea: insulin pump-like device that lets you watch hours of ads for heroin infusions..
- Nav_Panel 10y agoActually, runner's high is caused by endocannabinoids, not endorphins. This NYT article[1] has a decent writeup and a link to the actual journal article. So, not sure how well your startup idea will work, THC infusions maybe? [1] http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2015/10/07/homing-in-on-the-source-of-runners-high/?referer= http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2015/10/07/homing-in-on...
- crpatino 10y agoThank you for this. Our hordes of bright-eyed would-be disrupters and world changers need to hear this a hundred time, a thousand times, and then ponder carefully in precisely what direction they want to actually have the world moving.
- xiaoma 10y agoSeveral studies have confirmed the effects on humans. AFIK, this one was the first: https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Neurogenesis+in+the+adult+human+hippocampus&author=P.+S.+Eriksson&author=E.+Perfilieva&author=T.+Björk-Eriksson+et+al.&publication_year=1998 https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Neurogenesis... If you google for studies citing the one above, you will find many more. Purely from a standpoint of scientific evidence, running if one of the best things you can do for your brain. Bilingualism and cognitively demand work are also a good ideathough its less clear whether they have cognitive protective effects or actually lead to neurogenesis.
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]