Tiny metallic flowers show big gains in treating brain diseases

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed microscopic metallic nanoparticles shaped like flowers, termed “nanoflowers,” that show promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction—the root cause of these conditions. These nanoflowers improve mitochondrial structure and function in brain cells, significantly reducing oxidative stress caused by harmful byproducts like reactive oxygen species. This restoration of mitochondrial health could lead to improved overall brain function rather than merely alleviating symptoms. The team tested the nanoflowers on neurons and astrocytes, observing enhanced mitochondrial performance after 24 hours, and extended their research to live organisms using the Caenorhabditis elegans worm model. Treated worms exhibited longer lifespans and reduced early-life mortality, supporting the neuroprotective potential of nanoflowers. The researchers plan to conduct further safety and distribution studies in more complex animal models before moving toward human trials. Texas A&M has filed a patent for this technology