800-Year-Old Fossilized Brain Found Containing Intact Remnants of Brain Cells
Sorry cryo-immortals, this preservation method is not for you Even a stutter-gait zombie might turn up its nose at a 13th-century fossilized brain, but neuroscientists probably have good cause for excitement. An amazingly well-preserved 800-year-old infant brain found in northwestern France contains recognizable remnants of brain cells, according to a new study covered by Neurophilosophy. Most soft tissue such as brain matter decomposes rapidly following death, and so fossilized brains with cells intact are typically hard to come by. This does not represent the oldest known specimen, but does appear to be one of the best-preserved. Brain imaging tests on the specimen revealed clear anatomical landmarks of the brain, including grey and white matter made up of cells and axon bundles, respectively. A closer look showed glial (non-neuronal) cells and blood vessels. Pyramidal neurons from the hippocampus--a region of the brain involved with memory and navigation--also appeared under the microscope. Related ArticlesDARPA Seeks...