The University of Wisconsin revealed recently a study that is the first to show results suggesting human stem cells have the ability to successfully implant themselves in the human brain and heal neurological deficits.

Su-Chun Zhang, senior author and professor of neuroscience and neurology, says that the human embryonic stem cells were transformed into newer cells. The result was that the stem cells helped brain-damaged mice regain their ability to learn and remember.

The process required the implanted stem cells, which were cultured in a lab, to transform into two vial neuron types.

“These two neuron types are involved in many kinds of human behavior, emotions, learning, memory, addiction and many other psychiatric issues,” Zhang said in a statement.

Though the study will not have any immediate effects in practice, the finding is helpful for creating models for drug screening and discovery, Zhang added.

The study was published in the current issue of Nature Biotechnology.