Neurogenesis and the olfactory bulb
Professor Pierre Lledo explains that the olfactory bulb is a primary site of neurogenesis - one of the few areas in the brain where new neurons are generated throughout life.
The olfactory bulb is able to incorporate newborn neurons throughout life. This continuous production of newborn neurons was really a surprise when it came. It was really a very recent discovery which was probably less than 15 years ago. In fact we are discovering that the brain can produce newborn neurons that are completely immature - they don't know where they have to go, they are just arriving. Then there is a very unique way to select them. Basically, most of them are dying when they arrive in the olfactory bulb after a few weeks. In two weeks, for instance, we lose 50% of them that just arrived. But in fact, there is a selection, for those that are located in the right place when these circuits will be activated by some specific odorants, then these newborn ones will be instructed to survive, and they will never die. Therefore, this is a way to build circuits and to keep information right there in the olfactory bulb, by having these newcomers throughout life.
olfactory bulb, neurogenesis, brain, new neurons, pierre, lledo
- ID: 2073
- Source: DNALC.G2C
- Download: Theora Video MPEG 4 Video Windows Media Video
Related Content
1081. Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus and Olfactory Bulb
Professor Ronald McKay explains that neurons in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb are unique in that they are produced throughout life. This is known as neurogenesis.
1160. Neurogenesis in Humans
Professor Fred Gage explains that neurogenesis only occurs in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb in humans, and discusses why this might be so.
2238. Perception
A overview of perception-related content on Genes to Cognition Online.
2072. Smell/olfaction processing
Professor Pierre Lledo describes how odorant molecules (smells) are processed in the olfactory system. The process relies heavily on spatial maps.
2096. Cerebellum
The cerebellum monitors and regulates motor behavior, particularly automatic movements. It contains more neurons than the rest of the brain and is a site of neurogenesis.
2107. Dentate Gyrus
The dentate gyrus is one of the few regions in the brain where adult neurogenesis has been confirmed. It may play an important role in translating neural codes for creating memories.
838. Stem Cell Possibilities
Research continues to show that stem cells could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
2071. The chemical senses
Professor Pierre Lledo introduces the two main chemical senses - smell (olfaction) and taste.
845. Learning Rescues Cells
The more difficult a learning task, the more new neurons survive.
859. Neurogenesis and Timing
New neurons in the hippocampus may remember the timing of events.