Steven Rose, a neurobiologist and political activist known for his reductionist approach to memory and his critique of genetic determinism, has died at 87. He was influential in science education through the Open University and authored significant works challenging sociobiology, advocating for environmental and developmental influences on human behavior. Rose combined scientific research with passionate political activism, emphasizing the importance of democratic access to scientific knowledge.
Neuroscientists in New York have discovered that pericytes, a type of structural cell that wraps around blood vessels, may play a crucial role in the formation and storage of long-term memories. This breakthrough could provide new insights into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, which affect millions of people worldwide. The study found that pericytes produce a protein called insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in response to brain activity, and when this gene was removed from the pericytes, the animals' long-term memories were significantly impaired. Further research in this area could lead to the development of new treatments for memory-related afflictions.
