breathing also linked to cell loss

obesity and a high trans-fat diet are all now linked to permanent neuron atrophy. in the former study, loss occurs in areas that regulate satiation, perhaps creating a cycle - but it's not clear which comes first.

pain is also linked to cell loss in recent studies, although the article doesn't make clear whether researchers controlled for possible painkiller effects. what's clear is that loss occurs in areas with less activity, giving credence to the phrase "use it or lose it." either way, scientists say loss may be permanent too, and in the grey matter (which is a big deal). (thanks to alina for the pain link)

new research may be of help.

Labels: neuroscience