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A breakthrough discovery in brain preservation may revolutionize biomedical research and organ transplant procedures. Scientists at Fudan University in China have developed a chemical compound named MEDY, enabling frozen brain tissue to regain full functionality upon thawing.

Freezing has long been utilized to preserve organic material; however, it often results in cellular damage due to ice crystal formation. To address this issue, researchers experimented with various chemical compounds, testing their efficacy in preserving living brain tissue during freezing. After subjecting brain organoids to different chemical combinations and freezing processes, the team identified MEDY as the most promising solution.

Comprising methylcellulose, ethylene glycol, DMSO, and Y27632, MEDY demonstrated remarkable preservation capabilities. Mini-brains treated with MEDY retained normal growth and function, even after being frozen for extended periods, with some samples remaining intact for up to 18 months, New Atlas reported.

The application of MEDY extends beyond brain organoids, as it also safeguarded living brain tissue samples from human epilepsy patients. Notably, MEDY preserved the structural integrity of brain cells and maintained the pathologies associated with epilepsy, facilitating accurate analysis without interference from freezing-induced damage.

Published in the journal Cell Reports Methods, this breakthrough offers promising prospects for biomedical research and organ preservation. With MEDY, brain organoids and tissue samples can be stored for prolonged periods, potentially advancing our understanding of neurological disorders and improving organ transplant procedures in the future.