Psience Quest

Quote:Microglia, primary immune cells of the brain and spinal cord, are known to contribute to the inflammation that underlies Parkinson’s neurodegeneration, which severely affects a brain area involved in motor control called the substantia nigra.

A key aspect of Parkinson’s research is to understand new and targeted ways of modulating microglia’s behavior, with a goal of influencing the survival or neurons or nerve cells. Such an ability would help to address the precise link between neurons and microglial cells.

Quantum dots, or nanoscale crystals, can be specifically taken up by microglia cells and may be useful as a direct way of targeting these cells. The nanoparticles also glow a particular color after being illuminated by ultraviolet light, allowing scientists to trace the molecules inside cells and study their cellular behavior.