Scientists Discover New Electrical Function Performed by Nearly Half of Brain Cells

upstart writes:

Scientists Discover New Electrical Function Performed by Nearly Half of Brain Cells:

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown function performed by astrocytes, a type of cell that comprises nearly half of all cells in the brain.

According to the researchers, the discovery in mice of a novel function by cells known as astrocytes opens up a whole new avenue for neuroscience study that could lead to treatments for a variety of conditions ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer's to traumatic brain injury.

It all boils down to how astrocytes interact with neurons, which are fundamental cells of the brain and nervous system that receive input from the outside world. Through a complex set of electrical and chemical signaling, neurons transmit information between different areas of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

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