“Brain gas”: A Potential Solution to Combating Alzheimer’s?
April 5, 2026Recently, scientists at Johns Hopkins University have found that the protein Cystathionine Y-lyase (CSE) produces the gas hydrogen sulfide, known for preserving brain cells and reinforcing memory. Through an experiment using genetically engineered mice, researchers discovered that a lack of CSE commonly led to brain damage, memory loss, and signs of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, in 2021, mice with Alzheimer’s disease were injected with small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, resulting in the protection of cognitive functions. Although studies show that hydrogen sulfide is effective in protecting brain cells, this gas is extremely toxic when used in large amounts, making it difficult to administer directly to the brain.
Currently, scientists are analyzing in depth how the protein CSE works and its cellular-level relationship to the brain. Presently, there is no official treatment for Alzheimer’s; nonetheless, scientists state that this finding could potentially lead to the development of new remedies directed at slowing disease progression. Maybe, in years to come, “brain gas” may just be the solution we’ve needed to combat Alzheimer’s.