Scientists at Yale University managed to astound the world by reviving pig brains four hours after death. Previous research in this area had shown that cells taken from the brain after death can carry out functions such as producing proteins. What makes Yale's research unique is the revival of the whole brain after death.
The scientists studied 32 pigs that were already killed for meat. They removed the brains and pumped a preservative solution into the veins and arteries. In order to function, the brain needs access to blood and oxygen. Thus, Yale neuroscientists used a system named BrainEx, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the dead brain.
After the artificial nourishment of the brain, scientists realized the beginning of metabolism by sugar consumption and carbon dioxide production in the neurons. With that said, no signs of consciousness (i.e. connection between neurons) was observed in the newly revived brains.
While BrainEx is far from being applicable to the human brain, its usage raises ethical concerns about the potential creation of consciousness outside one's body. Although Stephen Latham, a bioethicist at Yale University, believes that this can be potentially used for testing drugs on organs, instead of people.
Read the full article by Nature here:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01216-4
Image Credit: Michael Staudt/VISUM/eyevine
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