EMW Article Outline:

Working Title: Neurogenesis and Exercise

Abstract:  For many years, it was believed by many that the brain was a fixed organ, simply deteriorating over time.  Unlike other parts of the body, the brain was believed to be incapable of regenerating neurons - the nerve cells and core components of the brain responsible for transmitting and processing information.  Over the last decade, multiple studies have shown that the brain is in fact capable of generating new neurons.  The term for this is Neurogenesis, which literally means the “birth of neurons.” Even more recently, it has been proven that exercise can increase this production.

Outline:

• Intro paragraph - briefly explains Neurons and Neurogenesis, where it takes place (the hippocampus) and the recent discovery of the positive effects of exercise on Neurogenesis.

• Neurons:  Neurons are the nerve cells that are responsible for processing and transmitting information around the brain through chemical signals. 

• Visual: Still image of the basic anatomy of a neuron.

• Where does it all happen? -  Neurogenesis takes place in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.

• Visuals: still image of the location of the hippocampus in a lateral view of the human brain.

• The role of exercise: Exercise, particularly running has been shown to dramatically increase the level of Neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain.

• Visual: either a video or animated graphic of a mouse on a wheel.

• Further reading: links to a few sources and articles for more information on the topic.