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Short Wave

The Brain Makes A Lot Of Waste. Here's How It Cleans Itself Up

Jul 22, 2024
Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent and neuroscience expert, dives into the fascinating topic of how the brain cleans itself. He discusses the critical glymphatic system responsible for removing waste during sleep, shedding light on its role in preventing diseases like Alzheimer's. Hamilton reveals groundbreaking research on the effects of a specific 40 hertz sound that stimulates brain cleansing processes. This innovative approach could pave the way for new therapies to enhance brain health and tackle neurological challenges.
13:12

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • During deep sleep, the brain's cleaning process eliminates toxins like beta-amyloid, crucial for preventing Alzheimer's.
  • Sensory stimulation, such as 40 Hz sound, can enhance gamma waves to help clear toxic proteins, potentially aiding in Alzheimer's prevention.

Deep dives

The Brain's Waste Removal Process

The brain eliminates waste by getting rid of leftover byproducts from cell activities, such as toxic proteins like beta amyloid that can lead to conditions like Alzheimer's. This waste accumulation can impair brain function in the short term and damage neurons in the long term, contributing to diseases like Alzheimer's.

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