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Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

The nearly absent ability of the neurons to regenerate or multiply has prompted neuroscientists to search for the mean to replace damaged or dead cells. The failed attempts using adult tissue, initiated nearly a century ago, ultimately brought rays of hope when developing fetal neurons were used for transplantation in 1970s. The initial excitement was tempered by limited success and ethical issues. But these efforts unequivocally established the feasibility of successful neural transplantation provided appropriate tissue was available. The ability to derive embryonic stem cells with their totipotent potential by Thomson in 1998 rekindled the interest in their use for replacement therapy for damaged brain tissue. The present review surveys the current status of this promising field of stem cell research especially in respect to their therapeutic potentials for purposes of neural transplantation. A brief account is provided of the ongoing Indian efforts in this direction.

Byline: Prakash. TandonSoon after Dr Jacob Chandy, another prodigal son of India, Dr. B. Ramamurthi, returned after being fully trained at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK and Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Canada, to [...]

The article provides information on Krishna Prasad Bhargava, a professor who is considered as founder of Indian Neurosciences. Topics discussed include his childhood and education in Alwar, India and graduation from King George's Medical College; establishment of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and his research on cardiovascular functions.