BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Neural Noël

Reconnecting neurons after brain injury using gene therapy

25 December 2020

Neural Noël

You’d be forgiven for thinking this is an abstract picture of a Christmas tree with baubles. In fact it’s a festive slice of mouse brain showing astroglial cells (green) and newly formed neurons (red). Astroglia are essential for patching up damage in the event of brain or spinal cord injuries, but the resulting glial scar prevents the growth and reconnection of neurons, inhibiting functional recovery. A stroke victim might never regain proper speech, for example, a spinal injury victim may never walk. Researchers are therefore investigating ways to convert scar cells into electrically connected neurons that might help promote recovery. And, using a gene therapy technique that delivers a neuron-promoting factor to glial cells, they’ve done it, at least in mice. Such a promising step deserves a song, don’t you think? All together: Neural, Neural, Neural, Neura-al. Born are the neurons from astroglial (cells). I didn’t say a good song.

Written by Ruth Williams

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

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.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.