ScienceAugust 16, 2026

neurodegeneration

NYUR-oh-deh-juh-ner-AY-shun

Definition

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain, often associated with diseases like Alzheimer's.

Etymology

The term is a combination of the Greek 'neuron' (nerve) and the Latin 'degenerare' (to depart from one's kind or decline). It emerged in scientific contexts to describe the gradual deterioration of nervous tissue.

In the news

Joel Tan plans to use computational biology to study neurodegeneration, motivated by his father's personal struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Former D-Grade Student Overcomes Odds to Acquire PhD in Biomedical Research from Harvard

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