Resources and Reflections

June 24th, 2009
(PhysOrg.com) — UQ neuroscientists have, for the first time, been able to demonstrate that moderate exercise significantly increases the number of neural stem cells in the ageing brain.
In research published in Stem Cells, Dr Daniel Blackmore and his colleagues at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) have shown that moderate exercise directly increases the number of stem cells in the ageing brain.
Despite the conventional wisdom that we only have a set number of neurons or brain cells, neuroscientists have known for some time that, in healthy brains, the creation of new neurons is an ongoing and lifelong mechanism.
However, it has also been known for more than a decade that the number of new neurons we produce slowly declines with age.
According to QBI neuroscientist Dr Blackmore, researchers are interested in finding ways to stimulate the production of neurons to negate any decline brought about by age or disease.
“Our findings suggest that moderate exercise, from early to late in life, can have a very positive effect,” Dr Blackmore said.
In controlled models of ageing, the number of neural stem cells produced by animals participating in voluntary exercise (running wheel) were significantly higher than in animals of the same age which did not exercise (no running wheel).
“Investigating the mechanism by which neural stem cell numbers are altered will undoubtedly increase our understanding of how the brain responds to its environment,” Dr Blackmore said.
“Ultimately, this should allow us to discover how to harness the brain’s regenerative capacity, and to bring about new and effective treatments for conditions caused by trauma, disease, or even normal ageing.”
“The brain’s ability, even at an advanced age, to respond in a positive manner is very exciting as it extends the time-frame in which manipulation is possible.”
QBI Director Professor Perry Bartlett FAA said the research represented another significant understanding of the why neural stem cells were so important to brain function.
“It is the first experimental data that shows how we can change the propensity of the brain to make new neurons through increasing the number of stem cells – even in the aged animal,” Professor Bartlett said.
“We can now show that exercise directly causes an increase in the number of stem cells in the brain.
“Stem cells develop into neurons and a good supply of neurons is essential for good mental health,” he said.
The research paper “Exercise increases neural stem cell number in a GH-dependent manner, augmenting the regenerative response in aged mice” by Dr Daniel Blackmore, Dr Mohammad Golmohammadi, Beatrice Large, Dr Michael Waters and Dr Rodney Rietze appeared in the 14 May online edition of Stem Cells.
Provided by University of Queensland (news : web)

Popularity: unranked [?]

Hopland Bike and Vine Ride

This a great tour through the beautiful vineyard cloaked back roads of Mendocino County with many choices of cozy tasting rooms along the way, and a follow up vehicle to carry those whose determination to ride has been overcome by their dedication to oenological quality research. Go on over to Emerald Empire Adventures and book your place.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

A tour of the Mann Ranch. First settled in 1905, this 1600 acre hilltop hacienda is a stunning spot to rest and take in the vista after the 1500 ft. climb up Orr Springs Rd. The high, bare knob at stands at the very crest of the Coast Range and about 30 miles from highway 1 and the Mendocino Coast. You can spend the night in the old A frame or ride on down the hill to Orr Hot Springs for a long soak and a night in their historic old cabins.

The family is looking towards recent history when, in the 60’s and 70’s Mann Ranch was the venue for widely attended conferences and chataquas conducted by the likes of Joseph Campbell and Carlos Casteneda. Plans are afoot to re-establish the site as a venue for future events.

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Popularity: 85% [?]

June ‘08 – A true wilderness adventure to one of California’s most remote stretches of coastline; The Lost Coast. Beginning in Willits, we ride north on Hwy 101 to Laytonville where we head west on Branscomb Road through misty redwoods and down to the coast at Rockport. From there its north along the Pacific Coast Highway to where it veers northeast to skirt the Sinkyone – Lost Coast wilderness. There’s a great climb up into the coast range and then a brutal gravel/mud swathed trip down to Usal Beach. See the Route Map here More »

Popularity: 17% [?]

May ‘08, Left Willits at 5:30 PM arrived in Cache Creek Campground at 1 AM with 80 lbs. in my (then) new Arkel panniers. I always love a long ride through new countryside. Believe it or not, riding at night, if you are well illuminated, is often safer than the traffic clogged daytime.
This ride sealed my place as the Emerald Empire Adventures partner and cycle touring guide, bona fides as it were. See the Route Map More »

Popularity: 15% [?]

Ukiah to the coast via Orr Springs Rd 50 Photos	This is a world-class ride through the Mendocino County back country. After climbing up from the Ukiah valley, you can take a break at the top of the Coast Range at the Mann Ranch, a 100 year old, 1600 acre piece of paradise. In future we will be working with the family to plan events centered on their location and to make the spectacular private campsites ther available to our guests. In the meantime it is a fantastic spot to catch your breath after the long climb.
From there we will take the steep narrow poorly maintained road through eight hairpin switchbacks down to Orr Hot Springs, where we spend the night in one of their quaint old cabins and take in the waters.  Next day we ride down to the coast to Mendocino town where we have dinner and spend the night in a beautiful B&B and enjoy the sights sounds and flavors of this gem of the coast.
Next day we ride the final 12 miles to the Skunk Train Depot in Ft. Bragg where we take the train back up the hills to Willits.

Route map and elevation profile

Popularity: 27% [?]

This is not a ride for those made nervous by narrow shoulders, variable road conditions, windy headlands or 35 miles of uphill slogging from Ft. Bragg back to Willits via Sherwood Rd. On the other hand, for those of sterner constitution, this ride will thrill chill and make you feel alive. I first rode this route on Memorial Day weekend in ‘08 and have riddn various sections of it in different combinations many times since. The Ft. Bragg to Willits Section, via Sherwood Rd. is a really exceptional backwoods experience and a challenge for any rider.

Popularity: 15% [?]