neuroplasticity

Inactive synapses—found on tiny neuronal projections called filopodia—are abundant in the adult brain, a mouse study suggests.

After injecting moderate doses of the dissociative anesthetic into the animals, previously “awake” brain cells go dark, and those that had been dormant suddenly light up.

By combining deep learning and electron microscopy, researchers now have a more detailed understanding of how fear changes the brain.

The prolific science communicator specialized in studies of vision and brain plasticity and was the focus of threats from animal rights extremists for several years.

Her research showed that communication via sign language is as neurologically complex as spoken language. 

Dampwood termites with the potential to leave the colony have larger optic lobes before ever being exposed to different visual environments, an example of predictive brain plasticity.

Intestinal bacteria contribute to the effect of stimulating environments on the brain’s ability to adapt, a study concludes.

A study that transfused plasma from active to inactive mice suggests the protein clusterin enhances cognition.

A small study finds that patients who had half their brains removed to treat epilepsy have stronger neural networks than controls, perhaps explaining how they can retain language and cognition skills.

Scientists have proposed a variety of features that influence one’s ability to remember things and solve problems.

Marian Diamond, a former University of California, Berkeley, professor, discovered the first evidence for neuroplasticity and studied Einstein’s brain.

Meet some of the people featured in the March 2017 issue of The Scientist.

In vivo imaging reveals how grafted embryonic brain cells grow, connect, and mature into contributing members of damaged visual pathways in adult mice.

With light, researchers can coax a group of neurons in the visual cortices of living mice to fire in concert.

This year’s awards honor discoveries on brain plasticity and the development of atomic force microscopy.

Neighboring neurons can manipulate astrocytes. 

The brain’s ability to make new neural connections can be restored in mice by blocking a protein that normally acts as a natural brake on neuroplasticity.