TechBBN TECH

Brain cells once thought entirely beneficial may fuel cognitive…

Researchers found that dysfunctional brain cells long seen as protective can overproduce myelin, disrupting nerve fibers and possibly worsening memory; the mantis shrimp story is next door.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on The Weekend Shift
Published 5:22 PM ET, Saturday, October 17, 2026

At a glance

First reported by ScienceDaily: “Brain cells meant to protect us may be fueling cognitive decline”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 5:22 PM ET on The Weekend Shift, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ScienceDailyBrain cells meant to protect us may be fueling cognitive decline

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentScientists called these brain cells entirely beneficial, until they found them making abnormal amounts of myelin, the insulation on nerve fibers, which can disrupt memory and thinking as we age.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo the cells got promoted to overinsulating, and nobody reviewed them.

▶ Watch BBN liveMore Tech →

Aired onThe Weekend ShiftNobody's in charge. It shows.About the show →

From the archive: everything BBN aired on Saturday, October 17, 2026 · the Tech archive · all months