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Neuron and Off

New computer model can predict how brain signals are controlled by communicating brain cells

09 September 2018

Neuron and Off

Our brains thrive on communication. Connections between neurons fine-tune signals zipping between brain areas, ultimately guiding everything we do. Tree-like Purkinje cells are the master communicators of the cerebellum, where their many connected branches help to coordinate precise body movements. These virtual Purkinjes, from a new computer model, predict how real cells react when nearby brain structures called climbing fibres (not shown here) turn them ‘on’. The model predicts this isn’t a simple on/off switch, though, but a sort of volume dial. Ramping up the electrical input (from left to right here) fires up an increasing number of the Purkinjes branches. These predictions fit with real experiments from all over the world. The idea of controlling brain signals sensitively, rather than just 'on' or 'off', already has researchers racing to explore the implications for development and disease.

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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