Research: Scientists Discover a New Organ Hidden Inside the Skull

Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA, have identified a new organ-like structure in the skull bone marrow where brain-specific immune cells are trained to directly combat brain tumors. This structure has been found to function as a 'security center' to fight brain cancer in its early stages. Experiments revealed that immune cells trained in these centers can directly defend against threats in the brain without needing other parts of the body.

'COULD REVOLUTIONIZE BRAIN CANCER TREATMENT'

The researchers found that these structures play a critical role, especially against 'glioblastoma,' a deadly type of brain tumor. It was reported that mice with strengthened immune foci under the skull fought tumors much more effectively and had significantly extended survival times.

The lead author of the study, Prof. Dr. Jonathan Kipnis, commented on the findings, saying, “The skull bone marrow is not just a protective scaffold; it hosts previously unknown centers that manage brain-specific immune responses. The existence of these structures could open entirely new doors in the treatment of neurological diseases and brain tumors.”

'NEW HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND PARKINSON'S'

Experts emphasized that there are strong indications that these structures are also present in the human skull. It was noted that the current findings have the potential to strengthen immunity with gels applied under the scalp without the need for surgical intervention.

The discovery is reported to not only lead to new protocols in the treatment of cancer but also in many neurological diseases with an immune component, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.