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http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/7573434/brain-can-rewire-itself-scientists/

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Brain can rewire itself: scientists
By Danny Rose, AAP July 13, 2010, 12:02 am

Australian scientists say the brain has an under-appreciated ability to "rewire itself", and work is now under way to use this as a therapy after it is injured.

The Hobart-based Menzies Research Institute has been investigating how the brain responds to trauma, particularly what occurs within the cerebral cortex or the outer layer of grey matter.

"Our data suggests that the cerebral cortex ... is capable of significant remodelling following injury," said Menzies' senior research fellow Dr Tracey Dickson.

Dr Dickson and fellow researchers focused on the activity of two types of neurons in the cortex - pyramidal neurons and interneurons - and their very different reactions to trauma.

Menzies PhD student Catherine Blizzard said the pyramidal neurons were seen to regenerate "into the injury site whereas interneurons reorganised their processes away from the injury site to undamaged areas".

"Interestingly, our studies demonstrate that neurons ... have an unappreciated capacity for remodelling away from the actual injury, and that these neurons are attempting to rewire the brain following an injury," Ms Blizzard said.

"These distinct responses exhibited by different neurons, provide insight into the potential of the mature brain for plasticity or remodelling."

Their findings were published recently in the international neuroscience journal Cerebral Cortex.

The research is now focused on trying to identify ways in which the healing response could be boosted, creating a new therapy to treat brain injury.

About one in 45 Australians - mostly men - have an acquired brain injury from causes including traffic accidents, assault, sporting injury or infection.