Final answer:
Neurogenesis, or the production of new neurons, can continue into adulthood, contrary to the old belief that it only occurs prenatally. About 1,000 new neurons form in the hippocampus every day, influencing learning and memory. Research on neurogenesis provides insights into potential treatments for neurological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurogenesis: The Birth of New Neurons
The concept that neurogenesis occurs predominantly prenatally has been revised in light of recent scientific findings. Scientists previously believed that after birth, no new neurons were created, and as neurons died, they would not be replaced.
This belief has been overturned, and it is now understood that neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, can occur in adults as well. This process is especially noted in the hippocampus, a brain structure fundamental for learning and memory, where around 1,000 new neurons are generated daily.
The discovery of adult neurogenesis was first made in songbirds, which produce new neurons when learning songs. In mammals, new neurons are important for learning, and an increase in their survival has been associated with improved learning in rats. Moreover, both exercise and certain antidepressants have been found to promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus. However, stress has a negative impact on the creation of new neurons.
While the capability for neurogenesis in humans is limited compared to other types of tissue regeneration, research in this field offers hope for developing treatments for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and epilepsy.