Although neural cell competition is widely recognized for its role during early brain development, Prof. WU's team demonstrated that this process continues to be vital throughout life. They revealed that NCC not only helps maintain healthy brain function but also contributes to age-related cognitive decline when disrupted.

Additionally, they highlighted how NCC extends beyond neurons, affecting other brain cell types. For example, in the aging brain, oligodendrocyte precursor cells compete to mature into oligodendrocytes. Dysregulation of this process can impair the brain's ability to process information efficiently, contributing to conditions like multiple sclerosis and other white matter diseases. By understanding NCC's influence across various cell types, the research opens the door to potential strategies for protecting brain cells and slowing the aging process. 

One of the most exciting prospects from this research is the possibility of targeting NCC in future therapies to promote brain health in older adults. The review suggests that manipulating the signaling pathways involved in NCC could help protect neurons, enhance cognitive function, and even combat age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

This review highlights the dynamic and ongoing battle that occurs inside our brains every day, one that involves complex interactions between different cell types that impact everything from our ability to learn as children to how we remember things as adults. It's a critical step forward in understanding how we can better protect our brains as we age.