“What Is The Biggest Mystery We Still Aren't Close To Solving?” (25 Pics)

Though we don’t fully understand why people sleep, there are some solid, quality theories that scientists are working with.

For example, recent research suggests that the primary purpose of sleep for humans may be to remove toxic and metabolic waste from the brain.

According to one perspective article, if these toxins are allowed to build up, they might compromise brain functionality.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that during sleep, brain cells propel fluid into, through, and out of the brain, cleaning it of waste.

“These neurons are miniature pumps. Synchronized neural activity powers fluid flow and removal of debris from the brain. If we can build on this process, there is the possibility of delaying or even preventing neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, in which excess waste – such as metabolic waste and junk proteins – accumulate in the brain and lead to neurodegeneration,” explains neurologist Li-Feng Jiang-Xie, PhD, first author and postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Pathology & Immunology.

“It is critical that the brain disposes of metabolic waste that can build up and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. We knew that sleep is a time when the brain initiates a cleaning process to flush out waste and toxins it accumulates during wakefulness. But we didn’t know how that happens. These findings might be able to point us toward strategies and potential therapies to speed up the removal of damaging waste and to remove it before it can lead to dire consequences,” notes Jonathan Kipnis, PhD, the senior author on the paper, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Pathology & Immunology, and a BJC Investigator.

According to Kipnis, if you can enhance the cleaning process in the brain, it would be possible to sleep less and remain healthy.

“Not everyone has the benefit of eight hours of sleep each night, and loss of sleep has an impact on health.”

From your perspective, what are the biggest, most important mysteries that remain unanswered to this very day, dear Pandas? What theories do you personally think most people take for granted, even though there’s still room for research?

What do you do to stay up-to-date with scientific breakthroughs? Let us know what you think in the comments below.