glia, neuroscience

Glial cells were once considered neurons’ supporting actors, but new methods and model organisms are revealing their true importance in brain function.

Glial cells consume mitochondria released by neurons in the optic nerve.

The hormone leptin, which signals fullness to animals, acts not only through neurons but through glia, too.

Mice with human brain cells showed enhanced synaptic plasticity and learning, suggesting glia may be key to our cognitive prowess.
 

A certain type of neural precursor does it all—replaces itself, differentiates into specialized brain cells, and multiplies into more stem-cell-like cells.